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Nueva evidencia sobre la informalidad laboral y empresarial en Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Otero-Cortés
  • Karina Acosta
  • Luis E. Arango
  • Danilo Aristizábal
  • Oscar Iván Ávila-Montealegre
  • Óscar Becerra
  • Cristina Fernández
  • Luz A. Flórez
  • Luis Armando Galvis–Aponte
  • Anderson Grajales-Olarte
  • Catalina Granda
  • Franz Hamann
  • Juliana Jaramillo-Echeverri
  • Carlos Medina
  • Jesús Morales-Piñero
  • Alejandra Morales
  • Leonardo Fabio Morales
  • Juan J. Ospina-Tejeiro
  • Christian Posso
  • José Pulido
  • Mario A. Ramos-Veloza
  • Alejandro Sarasti-Sierra

Abstract

Este ESPE examina las causas y consecuencias de la informalidad laboral y empresarial en Colombia. Se destacan diferencias notables en la tasa de informalidad, las cuales varían según región, nivel educativo y aspectos demográficos. En el ámbito empresarial, el tamaño de la empresa incide sobre el acceso a los mecanismos de formalización. Además, se analizan los factores estructurales que inciden sobre la informalidad laboral, como el salario mínimo, los impuestos a la nómina, rigideces en la legislación laboral y los costos de registro empresarial. Se exploran los efectos macroeconómicos de la informalidad usando modelos de equilibrio general, en donde se resalta que la informalidad exacerba la volatilidad del PIB y sus componentes, reduce la productividad agregada de la economía y la efectividad de la política monetaria. También se evalúa el efecto agregado de una disminución en los impuestos a la nómina, encontrando que esta promovería la creación de empleo formal y un mayor crecimiento económico de largo plazo. Finalmente, se presentan recomendaciones clave de política para reducir la informalidad, contribuyendo al debate sobre sus causas y efectos en la economía colombiana. **** Abstract: This ESPE examines the causes and consequences of labor and firm informality in Colombia. Notable differences in the informality rate are highlighted, varying by region, education level, and demographic factors. Among firms, size influences access to formalization mechanisms. Additionally, the report analyzes structural factors affecting labor informality, such as the minimum wage, payroll taxes, rigidities in labor legislation, and business registration costs. The macroeconomic effects of informality are explored using general equilibrium models, emphasizing that informality exacerbates volatility in GDP and its components, reduces aggregate productivity, and limits the effectiveness of monetary policy. The aggregate effect of a reduction in payroll taxes is also evaluated, finding that such a measure would promote the creation of formal employment and lead to higher long-term economic growth. Finally, key policy recommendations are presented to reduce informality, contributing to the debate on its causes and effects in the Colombian economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Otero-Cortés & Karina Acosta & Luis E. Arango & Danilo Aristizábal & Oscar Iván Ávila-Montealegre & Óscar Becerra & Cristina Fernández & Luz A. Flórez & Luis Armando Galvis–Aponte & Anderson Gr, 2025. "Nueva evidencia sobre la informalidad laboral y empresarial en Colombia," Revista ESPE - Ensayos sobre Política Económica, Banco de la Republica de Colombia, issue 108, pages 1-75, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdr:ensayo:y:2025:i:108:p:1-75
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market
    • J48 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Particular Labor Markets; Public Policy
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements

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