The joint operation “eSTATE IN REGOLA” conducted by the inspection staff of the INPS Provincial Directorate of Messina and the Fiamme Gialle of the Provincial Command of Messina, recorded significant results in combating the phenomena of undeclared and irregular work in the Peloritana province.
The investigations focused on the activities most affected in recent years by evasion phenomena: the public establishments sector, places with a high tourist vocation, the agricultural sector, retirement homes, car washes and specific sectors of the territory, such as trade and production for third parties.
The total number of joint checks carried out was 56 visits, which revealed a total number of illegal workers of 115. The checks carried out led to a large number of measures suspending business activity for the use of unskilled workers. hiring compared to that present in the workplace at the time of access and of workers reported for having unduly received monthly unemployment benefits (NASPI) and inclusion incomes.
The investigations on the subject of illicit administration and contracts also made it possible to ascertain the presence of over 200 workers in irregular or illicit temporary positions, with an estimated contribution recovery of over two million euros in favor of the public welfare funds.
The activity carried out in full harmony between INPS and the Financial Police is at the service of legality in our territory, in particular against illegal or irregular work. The underground economy, in fact, undermines the economic and financial balance of the country, being oriented towards the illegal reduction of “structural” costs (fiscal, organizational and labour) to maximize profits and obtain unfair competitive advantages.
In the spirit of collaboration between Public Administrations, for the business categories most exposed to risk, the intervention of the Prevention Department of the ASP of Messina was also requested, and in particular of the Living Environment Hygiene Service (SIAV) and of the of food hygiene. nutritional surveillance and prevention (SIAN).
As part of these checks, in some premises on the northern coast of Messina, over 40 kg of various foodstuffs were found and seized due to poor state of conservation, in addition to criminal charges for fraud in the exercise of trade, since it was the supply of frozen products passed off as fresh was found.
The overall activity carried out also led to the drafting of specific reports regarding the protection of health and safety at work in relation to the failure to carry out the required preventive medical examination, aimed at ascertaining the absence of contraindications of the worker and to evaluate his suitability to specific tasks.
The significant results achieved testify to the positive synergistic action developed by the Fiamme Gialle and the INPS Provincial Office of Messina and the validity of the choice made at the time, at regional level, to establish a specific control room, aimed at promoting and developing, also through the continuous and constant exchange of information, the fight against hateful illicit phenomena such as undeclared work and tax and social security evasion, as well as aimed at encouraging the recovery, in the interest of the community, of financial resources not due. The correct use of public funds, in fact, helps production and employment growth.
