The Greek labour market remains under strict scrutiny, as recent data reveals persistent non-compliance across multiple sectors. Despite the expansion of the Digital Work Card system, thousands of businesses continue to operate in violation of labour regulations.
Over 2,600 Violations in Early 2026
According to the Labour Inspectorate, more than 2,600 violations have already been recorded in the first months of 2026—many of them involving serious breaches of core labour rights.
Indicatively:
- 316 cases of unpaid wages, bonuses and allowances
- 527 violations related to employee health and safety, including exposure to serious risks such as electric shock
These findings highlight that non-compliance is not limited to minor administrative issues, but extends to fundamental employee protections.
More Than 72,000 Labour Inspections Planned
For 2026, the Labour Inspectorate has announced a plan for at least 72,133 inspections, leveraging:
- the expansion of the Digital Work Card
- targeted risk analysis tools
- compliance monitoring based on prior violations
Of these:
- 41,710 inspections will focus on labour relations
- 25,187 inspections will address health and safety conditions
High-Risk Sectors Under Close Monitoring?
Inspections will primarily target sectors with a high risk of non-compliance, including:
- Construction and technical projects
- Tourism and accommodation
- F&B
- Transport and delivery services
- Wholesale trade
- Businesses employing third-country nationals
- Περιοχές με αυξημένη απασχόληση ανηλίκων
Additional focus will be placed on:
- companies not inspected in the past three years
- businesses previously found in violation
Undeclared Work Remains a Key Issue
Tackling undeclared (“black”) work remains a top priority.
So far in 2026:
- 202 violations for undeclared employment
- 60 cases of working time violations
- 98 cases of work on public holidays
- 217 cases where employers denied inspectors access to records
The majority of inspections in this area target:
- construction
- tourism
- hospitality
- temporary employment agencies
Increased Controls in Seasonal Businesses
Inspection activity is also increasing in seasonal sectors:
- +7.6% increase in accommodation inspections
- +7.5% increase in food service inspections
These sectors are consistently identified as high-risk due to fluctuating employment patterns and increased demand during peak periods.
What This Means for Businesses
The intensified inspection framework means that businesses must place greater emphasis on compliance, particularly in:
- payroll accuracy
- working time recording
- Digital Work Card implementation
- health and safety regulations
- proper employee declaration
Non-compliance now carries not only financial penalties, but also significant legal and reputational risks.
🧠 Final Thought
Labour inspections in Greece are becoming more targeted, data-driven and frequent in 2026.
For businesses, compliance is no longer optional—it is a critical requirement for operating in an increasingly regulated and transparent labour environment.
