Deterring Cash-in-hand Work

Abstract

This chapter evaluates critically the dominant policy approach towards cash-in-hand work that seeks to deter such activity using stringent regulations and punitive measures so as to achieve full-employment and/or comprehensive formal welfare provision. The argument here, however, is that not only is deterring cash-in-hand work through tougher regulations and punitive measures both ineffective and undesirable, but it is also highly unlikely that full-employment and/or comprehensive formal welfare provision will be there in the near future or even beyond to meet the material needs currently found in the cash-in-hand sphere.