Σάββατο 22 Δεκεμβρίου 2012

REUTERS: Greeks flock to informal work as recession deepens


ΠΗΓΗ: REUTERS

by Renee Maltezou

Dec 21 (Reuters) - Greek dietician Reggina knew she had little choice when her boss told her she could keep her job at a health centre only if she agreed to getting part of her salary off the books.

With Greece sinking deeper into recession and no other jobs to be found, she meekly agreed last year to monthly pay of 160 euros in cash and 700 euros on the books - allowing her struggling firm to pay lower social security contributions.

At 26, Reggina had joined the ranks of a growing number of young Greeks resorting to informal work to get by during an economic crisis that has left Greece with a youth unemployment rate of 56 percent - the highest in the euro zone.

"It's not just psychological war, it's abuse," said Reggina, who like others declined to give her full name because of the illegal nature of her work.

"I get fewer social security vouchers and I can't get a loan because my salary on paper is so low. But they tell us if we talk about this, we'll lose our jobs."