The Needs of the Professional in Gozo
Are there any differences between a professional in Gozo and that in Malta? Are there different needs?
Date: 23rd November 2018
The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA), in partnership with the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), was awarded funds by the Ministry for Gozo NGO Assistance Scheme to carry out the project: Professionals in Gozo – What are their needs? Given the impact that a professional has on the quality of life of the consumer and thus on society at large, it is important to see that both the professional’s and the consumers’ needs are met through the delivery of good quality service, promote the wellbeing of individuals and enhance economic growth. This project aimed to look closely at the professional in Gozo and evaluate what issues need to be addressed. It also aimed at bringing together different professions who otherwise may not have the opportunity to share experiences, needs and concerns, hence encouraging transdisciplinary discussion.
Are there any differences between a professional in Gozo and that in Malta? Are there different needs? Does a professional set different working practices when delivering a service in Malta rather than in Gozo? These issues were discussed during an initial seminar that was held in July 2018. A survey was then drafted to carry out research amongst professionals providing services in Gozo. Research findings were then presented during a final conference on 23 November 2018
Working Groups Report
The SP4SE project partners, led by Confprofessioni, have finalised the working group report, a document that summarises the key recommendations emerging from the discussion and analysis activities conducted during the project. The work focused on the social protection needs of self-employed workers and professionals, a topic that has become central in light of the critical issues that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. The recommendations are divided into three priority thematic areas: Support during health emergencies, with proposals for administrative simplification, payment moratoria, income support and mental health protection; Supplementary healthcare, focusing on accessibility, flexible insurance models, mental well-being and social dialogue; Income support, with the aim of ensuring protection mechanisms in the event of business suspension or significant reduction in income, including professional development programmes. The working groups saw the active participation of representatives of social partners and stakeholders from the professional world, who shared experiences and concrete proposals based on the evidence gathered during the project. The report identifies good practices at the national level and proposes transferable models to promote a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient social protection system, in line with Principle 12 of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The document represents an important step forward in strengthening social dialogue and developing policies that are more responsive to the needs of self-employed professionals. Read the report.
Enhancing Social Protection for Professional Self-Employed: Insights on the Role of Social Partners
The SP4SE (Social Protection for Self-Employed) project investigates social protection frameworks for self-employed individuals across EU Member States, particularly focusing on Professional Self-Employed (PSE)workers. It builds upon the European Pillar of Social Rights (2017) and the 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection, emphasising the role of social partners in shaping effective systems. The study highlights the fragmented and unequal protection for PSEs across the EU, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic vulnerabilities. The second phase of the project analyses seven diverse EU countries—Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, and Romania—to assess the real-world conditions of PSE workers and the role of representative organizations. Through interviews with experts, policymakers, and professional association leaders, the study explores how social partners contribute to protection governance, representation, and policy development. A key finding is that well-organised professions, such as traditional liberal fields, benefit from structured social protection through professional funds or associations. In contrast, non-traditional or solo self-employed workers often lack representation, suffer limited access to benefits, and remain excluded from formal systems. The report argues that empowering social partners is essential for developing equitable and effective social protection schemes. Public institutions at both national and EU levels must support structured dialogue with these actors. Ultimately, the project aims to promote harmonised, inclusive policies that improve the living and working conditions of all self-employed workers and ensure intergenerational renewal in essential professions across Europe. Read the full report here.
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This project has been funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).
