WUNDERWORK: Workers' Un(der)declared Employment in Europe: Research and Policy Co-creation for Inclusive Labour Markets

The EU-funded WUNDERWORK project tackles undeclared and underdeclared work—practices that leave workers unprotected, strain social security, and give unethical businesses an unfair edge. By uniting academics, social partners, policymakers, and enforcement authorities, it co-creates inclusive, effective interventions that work for the employees, self-employed individuals, and employers involved.

Through dialogue with workers, social partners, enforcement authorities and policymakers across seven EU countries and four sectors, the project co-creates theories of change that blend academic insights with practical knowledge. Together, we co-design solutions, test what works, and refine successful approaches. Ultimately, WUNDERWORK aims to develop evidence-based policies and workplace interventions that reduce undeclared work, enhance worker wellbeing, and ensure fair competition for European businesses.