Lessons from the Eurobarometer 2007 Additional analysis from the Belgian perspective Sergio Perelman CREPP, HEC-Ecole de Gestion, Université de Liège

Outline The Eurobarometer on UDW Puzzling results The limits of descriptive analysis Econometric treatment Lessons from the Eurobarometer A new survey in Belgium

The Eurobarometer on UDW A first international large scale attempt UDW dimensions retained - Demand of services/products - Supply: UDW as part of salary Other undeclared activities Individual characteristics and perceptions An invaluable tool for research purposes

Puzzling results NORDIC: DK, FI, SE CONTINENTAL: AT, BE, DE, FR, LU, NL + UK + IE SOUHTERN: CY, EL, ES, IT, MT, PT EASTERN: BG, CZ, LV, LT, HU, EE, PL, RO, SI, SK UDW and refusal rates

Puzzling results Sample representativity Belgium: Population aged 15+

Puzzling results Perceptions and institutions

Puzzling results Respondents’ cooperation

The limits of descriptive analysis % UDW Other activities

The limits of descriptive analysis % UDW Part of salary

Econometric treatment Probit/Logit Models UDW participation (Demand/Supply) Explanatory variables - age, sex, education, family size, origin - occupation, economic sector - urban/rural areas, house ownership Control variables - country dummies - perceptions, respondents’ cooperation

Econometric treatment ***, **, *: 1%, 5% and 10% Khi 2 Test significativity

Econometric treatment ***, **, *: 1%, 5% and 10% Khi 2 Test significativity Undeclared work: Demand of services or products

Econometric treatment ***, **, *: 1%, 5% and 10% Khi 2 Test significativity Undeclared work: Part of salary

Econometric treatment ***, **, *: 1%, 5% and 10% Khi 2 Test significativity Undeclared work: Other activities

Lessons from the Eurobarometer Preliminary econometric results - Allowing to identify several actors’ characteristics - Demand and supply driven by country specificities - Perceptions on national institutions mater - Robust results Drawbacks - Too small country sample size - Limited UDW cases to be analyzed

A new Survey on UDW in Belgium Sample design - Depending on demand and supply specificities studied - For instance, supply of UDW Over sampled characteristics - Construction, repair services, transport, hotels/restaurants - Men aged less than 55 years old - Occupations other than employees