ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Illegal employment constitutes a serious societal issue with detrimental consequences for the economy, labour market, and social security system. This article examines the causes, forms, and impacts of illegal employment on society, with a particular focus on its effects on tax evasion, employee social protection, and the competitive environment of enterprises The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating an analysis of secondary statistical data, a comparative legal analysis, and qualitative research based on expert interviews. The core research hypotheses are as follows: (1) Illegal employment leads to significant losses in the state budget due to tax evasion. (2) Workers engaged in illegal employment have limited access to social protection and face a heightened risk of exploitation. (3) More effective legislation and stricter enforcement mechanisms can substantially reduce the incidence of illegal employment. The findings underscore the necessity of stricter regulation, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and increased awareness among both employers and employees as key factors in combating illegal employment.