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@JWestland
I read an interesting article from the Dutch FNV union that the 'A1 agreement' (for short team cheap working from abroad in the EU) is much abused.
Polish welders get £1 an hour in real wage, then a top-up for work, but it means the employer barely pays any tax into the tax pot and the worker doesn't build up any social insurance via the government.
That's a real problem. Somebody in the EU commission proposed to change it, but Poland etc. voted against as it suits them. Work for their people at the cost of others. Of course an amendment can be tabled via the EU commission but you need to get enough states behind you.
Like democracy then. But I can imagine some people are pissed about this losing their jobs and it IS an EU mechanism. [though has the last UK gov ever proposed amendments or complained about it? Answers on a postcard but I'm nearly willing to bet money they didn't...]