A new ILO report has found that weaknesses in coverage, facilities, and financial management have left millions of workers vulnerable in a changing global economy.
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The International Labour Organization (ILO) has called for urgent strengthening of social protection systems worldwide, saying they are weakening. A new ILO report has pointed out that millions of workers are vulnerable in a changing global economy due to weaknesses in coverage, facilities and financial management.
The report titled 'Universal Social Protection in Changing Labor Markets' states that strong social protection systems are essential to protect workers in all types of employment from social risks. It states that temporary, part-time and self-employed workers are still not adequately protected.
The report recommends expanding social insurance coverage, giving special priority to workers working in micro and small industries, agriculture, domestic workers and the self-employed. It is said that this will also facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal sector.
According to the ILO, not only coverage, but also the facilities available need to be adequate and effective. The report concludes that it is necessary to go beyond minimum protection and provide reliable protection throughout the life cycle of workers—from childhood to old age. It has been pointed out that continuous support is also needed in situations such as job changes, unemployment, illness or disability.
Sustainable and equitable financial resources are needed to strengthen social protection, the ILO has stated. It has been suggested that workers with low incomes should be covered through social security funds, progressive tax systems and, if necessary, government subsidies. The report states that international support is equally important for countries with weak financial capacity.
The ILO has concluded that social protection systems are becoming even more important in the face of climate change, rapid technological development and demographic changes. Such systems can enable workers to cope with change, support the transition to a sustainable economy and strengthen social cohesion, the report states.
