Assessment of the channels of information and their use in the posting of workers

INFO-POW

BACKGROUND

Info-POW brings together research institutions from five EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia) as well as social partners at both national and EU levels to promote the evidence basis through the collection and evaluation of original data, and the analysis specific to the posting process and posted workers' working conditions. The overarching aim of this research project is to identify and assess new as well as existing challenges and needs of undertakings (in the construction sector more specifically) in accessing and using relevant information regarding the process of posting workers and the undertakings' obligations as a result thereof. Previous studies have found that despite the existence of information provided through different channels, whether by state or non-state actors, information is insufficient and/or difficult to access by the stakeholders it should be provided for. It also remains unclear to what degree existing channels of information are used by posting undertakings and in what way(s). This study fills a gap in the understanding of how transnational posting undertakings and user undertakings find and use information in their interaction with national institutions and how that affects their overall performance in terms of the correct application of the posting rules and the protection of labour and social standards. The study focuses on the specific case of the construction sector as the main sector where posting occurs, and where both larger companies and SMEs as well as self-employed are active.

AIMS

The Specific Objectives in line with the main objective and rationale of the project are:

1. To map the online and offline channels of information provided by state (the national and EU posting websites; institutional websites) and non-state actors (social partners, NGOs, consultancies) in each of the five Member States.

2. To pilot a web survey with representatives of posting undertakings and user undertakings in the construction sector in 5 Member States to identify the needs of said undertakings on the availability, accessibility, and quality of information on the posting of workers, with a focus on the following specific aspects:

a. To what extent do they know the (revised) posting rules and obligations?

b. Where do they seek and receive their information on posting rules and obligations?

c. What kind of information do they use/access?

d. What kind of information/knowledge would they need to have access to?

e. What kind of information/knowledge would they like to have access to?

f. What do posting undertakings qualify as best practices?

g. What suggestions would they have for the types of information and ways of accessing it?

3. To collect insights and recommendations from representatives of the public authorities (including labour inspectorates) and social partners in the 5 pilot countries through a total of 25-40 qualitative interviews (5-8 interviews per country case study) on improving access and use of publicly available information for posting construction companies.

4. To identify best practices and produce recommendations for the improvement of the availability and quality of information (in general and more specifically for the construction sector).

5. To promote research findings in scientific, specialised, and general audience publications to enhance awareness on the importance of improved access to information on posting.

6. To promote the upscaling of the web survey methodology and the results of the study beyond the construction industry and across the EU to support the improvement of access to information in posting, the correct application of rules, and the prevention of abuse.

METHODS

Mapping exercise on channels of information

Web survey

Expert Interviews

ACTIVITIES/MILESTONES

5 case studies in e-book format

1 online stakeholder consultation workshop

1 comparative report on the web survey results

1 survey manual

5 submitted academic articles 

5 policy briefs

5 blog articles

1 transnational upscaling event.

The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research supports the Sustainable Development Goals

European Centre Logo
UN SDG Decent Work and Economic Growth
UN SDG Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

FUNDED BY

European Commission, DG Employment, European Social Fund+ (ESF+) Social Prerogatives and Specific Competencies Lines (SocPL)

PROJECT DURATION

09/2022 – 02/2024

MEDIA