Plan to create housing to combat illegal hiring practices gets underway
The resources allocated from the Cohesion Fund will be used to reinstate projects excluded from the NRRP measures. Commissioner Macioce’s mandate has been extended until 31 December 2029.
Key points
A significant step forward in the strategy to combat illegal recruitment practices. The Public Administration Decree passed today includes a provision to launch a scheme (funded by the 2021–27 Development and Cohesion Fund) to provide accommodation for agricultural workers in rural areas.
The role of the Special Commissioner for the fight against illegal labour recruitment
The task of identifying such properties amongst disused public buildings and unused rural structures, and of renovating them for use as housing, has been entrusted to the Special Commissioner for the Eradication of Illegal Settlements and the Fight against Illegal Labour Recruitment in Agriculture, Giovanni Maria Macioce. The Commissioner’s mandate, which was due to expire in December 2026, has been extended until 31 December 2029.
The three pillars of irregular employment in agriculture
This is, therefore, a crucial measure in the fight against illegal labour recruitment. Illegal employment in agriculture rests on three pillars. In fact, the ‘caporali’ carry out their role by acting as intermediaries between labour supply and demand, providing transport services (from urban centres to rural areas) and arranging accommodation for workers. For this reason, tackling unauthorised settlements and providing accommodation for workers can be a key lever in combating illegal practices.
Budget still being finalised
From a financial perspective, the available resources are still being assessed, although the figure being discussed is between 60 and 100 million euros. The plan will aim to reinstate projects excluded from the PNRR allocations (out of 200 million, just 30 million has been spent), as well as other contributions identified within the Cohesion Funds, including resources under the remit of the Ministry of Labour.
Mammucari (Uila): an important signal
“An important sign,” commented Uila’s General Secretary, Enrica Mammucari, “which would provide a structural solution to an emergency that the trade unions have been highlighting for years. The phenomenon of illegal settlements is closely linked to the role of the ‘caporale’. Issues relating to housing, as well as transport, often give rise to the subordinate position in which workers – both legal and irregular – find themselves confined.”
