Paperwork too time-consuming for independents

On average, a self-employed person in Belgium spends 3.15 hours a day on administration alone. In a work week of five days, that amounts to 15.75 hours per week, according to a survey of 919 entrepreneurs conducted by business organisation Unizo. "More specifically, the average entrepreneur in this country spends about a quarter of his or her working hours on administration. This is pure time and money loss, especially when you consider that a lot of paperwork could be arranged digitally," says managing director Karel Van Eetvelt. Unizo is calling for simplification and a full review of all existing forms that independents deal with on a regular basis.