Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544052
4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 MARCH 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 DIER handled cases of unpaid wages, fail- ure to pay entitlements related to injury or sick leave, missing or incorrect payslips, as well as the absence of formal employment contracts. These issues were described as "particularly prevalent" in the construction, care, hospitality, and cleansing sectors, as well as in employment agencies. The department's annual report also singled out employees working in hotels, noting that DIER carried out widespread inspections in the sector, with a particular focus on workers employed by employment agencies and other vulnerable workers. DIER interviewed 77 employees in the ho- tel sector, noting that around half of them were employed by 15 temping agencies, and that the employees are from 20 different countries. Of the 77 cases, three employees were found to be working without an employ- ment contract. DIER also found 10 cases of employees being underpaid during public holidays, and another 10 instances of work- ers being paid below the minimum wage. In three cases, workers' uniforms were being deducted from their pay check.DI- ER noted however, that the hotel industry confirmed that many employers operate according to the law. Unpaid dues account for 55% of all irregularities reported to DIER According to DIER's annual report, 625 out of 1,906 reported irregularities con- cerning wages, while another 320 cases concerned employees' bonuses and weekly allowances. Meanwhile, 112 cases concerned overtime issues. The report noted that 366 reports on annual leave were made, while 235 reports concerned payslip issues. €1,390,000 in due salaries awarded to employees Furthermore, DIER's annual report delved into its overall work in 2025, including investigations carried out throughout the year and closed cas- es that might have begun in previous years. In 2025, the department closed 727 cases through DIER's mediation, while 1,058 investigations were opened. Part of DIER's work includes investi- gating cases of unpaid wages and order- ing employers to reimburse their work- ers. In 2025, a total of €1,389,933.98 in unpaid wages was rewarded to employ- ers after DIER intervened. Cases involving employees still in employment 614 (378 men and 236 women) Cases involving employees out of concerned employment 98 (44 men and 54 women) Generic investigations 346 Employees reached >10,000 Number of inspections 98 Employees interviewed 225 Number of information requests by employers 91 Cases closed through DIER mediation (includes those opened in previous years) 727 Cases referred to court in 2025 188 Cases heard in 2025 and won by employees 71 Number of sessions held 25 in Malta/6 in Gozo Investigations opened in 2025 1,058 Unpaid wages awarded to employees €1,389,933.98 In 2025 €1,389,933.98 in unpaid wages was rewarded to employers after DIER intervention Irregularities Total Wages 625 Bonuses/Weekly allowances 320 Annual leave 366 Payslips 235 Overtime 112 Employment contracts 42 Public holidays 69 Notice 42 Sick leave 33 Work hours 37 Rest periods 25 DIER investigations