Since October 2007, fourteen Court sessions were held to hear cases against employers in breach of legal provisions concerning notification of engagement of employees to the Employment and Training Corporation.

Out of a total of 224 cases processed by the Courts, 127 chose to settle their dues by paying the administrative fine contemplated by law. This was not possible in another 68 cases, where the infringements were of a too serious nature to be settled through an administrative fine. These cases involved foreigners working without work permits, persons found working while registering for work, persons working below the age of 16 and others not declaring their employment.

Employers found guilty of employing foreigners without a work permit were fined €1,165 each. In total, €9,940 was paid in administrative fines and €10,822 in court penalties.

ETC reminds employers that Legal Notice 110 of 1993 obliges all employers to submit the engagement forms of any new persons they employ “not later than the first day of work”.

The ETC Law Compliance Unit reminds the public of its 24 hour freephone service on 8007 6501 where reports may be made anonymously in connection with irregular employment. Reports can also be submitted through the ETC website www.etc.gov.mt.

Total anonymity of the caller or sender is assured and all information is treated in strict confidence.