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One in six independents earns below poverty line

15:43 14/08/2016

Last year in Belgium, 111,523 full-time self-employed persons earned less than €12,500 per year, while the European poverty standard for a single independent is €13,020 per year, writes Het Nieuwsblad based on a study by the Neutral Syndicate for the Self-Employed (NSZ).

The NSZ's research is based on data from the National Institute for Social Insurance for the Self-Employed. "With nearly 705,000 full-time independents active in Belgium last year, that means 15.8% earned below the poverty line, or one in six," said Christine Mattheeuws of the NSZ.

Dyzo, the non-profit organisation for independents in financial difficulty, reports a doubling of requests for help over the last three years, from 1,237 in 2012 to 2,482 last year. According to MEP Robert Bothuyne, the numbers show that Dyzo is a useful partner for the self-employed. However, its cooperation with cities and municipalities urgently needs improving, he says.

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

Mikek1300gt

They CLAIM they are below the poverty line. My accountant is probably also below the poverty line, but then taking payments in cash and not giving a receipt might be part of his poverty problem.

Aug 14, 2016 21:44
MarvinHC

Exactly as Mike has said. Try to hire a builder and the first thing they will tell you is that they want to have at least half the work done without invoice.
The income declared and taxed is just the tip of the iceberg of what (most) really make.
There are some who really struggle but the numbers quoted in the article are not realistic.

Aug 15, 2016 08:31