In Italy, the irregular work economy is estimated to be worth 68 billion euros annually, with a significant portion of this value coming from the South. According to a report by the Cgia Research Office, approximately 35% of this total is attributed to the regions in the South. This report also reveals that there are nearly 3 million people involved in Italy’s underground economy, with the South having the highest percentage at 37.2% of the total.
The phenomenon of irregular work has expanded beyond just the South and has also affected other regions in Italy, particularly in the Centre-North. In terms of regional distribution, the added value from irregular work in 2021 was 23.7 billion euros in the South, 17.3 in the Northwest, 14.5 in the Center, and 12.4 in the Northeast. The report shows that Calabria has the highest share of 8.3%, followed by Campania with 6.9%, Sicily with 6.6%, and Puglia with 6.2%.
However, this issue goes beyond just an economic problem as criminal organizations have taken control of parts of Italy’s economy after