The Shadow Economy in Britain and Germany

The shadow economy can never be precisely measured.

Incomes which people hide from the taxman may also escape the notice of statisticians and researchers.

While much of the rest of the shadow economy is perfectly legal, economists have found it hard to come to grips with.

By looking at the "shadow" sector in Britain and Germany the authors have attempted to understand its size and implications and have tried to draw out important lessons for policymakers.