Social protection for self-employed workers: State of the issue and proposals

Abstract

In this study we consider the existence or not of an adequate level of social protection in relation to self-employed workers or freelancers, as one of the most relevant indicators in order to configure a legal status compatible with the performance of a decent, self-employed job. After addressing the problem of economically weak or directly poor self-employed workers, the current regulation of the special regime for inclusion of this group is analysed, with special emphasis on the dysfunctions derived from the financial imbalance that this regime historically involves. The achievement of protective homogeneity with the general system requires, among other actions, a thorough review of the contribution system for self-employed workers, which provides for contributions consistent with the volume of professional income as an inescapable requirement of justice, equity and solidarity within the Social Security system.