Large number of self-employed earning below poverty level

One out of six self-employed people in Belgium takes home an average monthly net salary of €833, well below the poverty level, according to statistics from the SNI trade union.

The problem is more widespread than previously thought, according to SNI president, Christine Mattheeuws. “Given that the European poverty level is €1,074 a month, then a good number of self-employed people have financial problems,” she said.

To determine monthly averages, the union looked at reported annual taxable wages for self-employed, which ranged from €10,000 to €115,000. Taxable income was calculated by taking gross revenues minus expenses and depreciation costs.

A shop owner identified as Sylvie, who earns less than €1,000 a month after five years in the job, admitted that she has to rely on her spouse for monthly expenses. “There are times when I ask myself if I should take home a salary or not,” she said. “Sometimes I pay myself on the 15th of the month, sometimes at the end of the month,” she added.

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