19. Draws attention on the fact that hygienic conditions for employees in small and medium-sized enterprises might be worse than in larger enterprises, even in the same or similar industrial area; therefore calls on the Member States to introduce adequate measures with a view to encouraging and supporting OSH in SMEs and to ensure a high level of protection for subcontracted workers, many of whom are women;

In addition, it seems appropriate to complement the tenderer’s right to subcontract with the option offered to the Member State to allow or to require its contracting authorities/entities to ask that subcontracts representing at least a certain share of the value of the contract be awarded to third parties on the understanding that related undertakings are not to be regarded as third parties. When such a share is required, the successful tenderer should award subcontracts following a transparent and non-discriminatory competition, so that all interested undertakings have the same opportunity to benefit from the advantages of subcontracti ...[+++]ng.

During a negotiated procedure or competitive dialogue with subcontracting requirements, the contracting authority/entity and the tenderers may discuss subcontracting requirements or recommendations with a view to ensuring that the contracting authority/entity is fully informed of the impact of different subcontracting options on, in particular, cost, quality or risk.

Similarly, when we work with large enterprises, we look at the structuring effect on the Eastern economies, and particularly on sub-contracting, the development of small enterprises through large enterprises.

12. With regard to social cohesion, calls on the Commission to draw up a report on the impact of liberalisation policies on employment, working conditions, workers’ rights and the health and safety of workers and to comply with the need to promote a high level of quality employment in all decisions affecting services of general interest, as provided for in Article 127 of the Treaty. Particularly in the field of health and safety at work, the Commission should concern itself with the implications and repercussions of the externalisation which is occurring in work relations (temporary working, subcontracting, transfer of workers, etc.);

(b) subcontracts with intermediaries or consultants in which the payment is defined as a percentage of the total cost of the project unless such payment is justified by the final beneficiary by reference to the actual value of the work or services provided.For all subcontracts, subcontractors shall undertake to provide the audit and control bodies with all necessary information relating to the subcontracted activities.