The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a policy brief discussing the measures that countries have taken to support the livelihoods of those who cannot access unemployment benefits or short-term work schemes. It examines the raft of new programmes introduced across OECD-countries and beyond, including means-tested assistance, new cash transfer schemes, and direct support for those struggling to meet their expenses. It also discusses how to close social protection gaps beyond the crisis to ensure inclusive growth post-COVID-19.

According to this policy brief, these measures have helped to sustain the incomes of many and minimised initial job losses. But they have not reached all those whose livelihoods are affected. Even in countries with the most advanced systems of social protection, some workers and their families miss out: workers with non-standard jobs – the self-employed, temporary, and informal workers, and those who work very short hours – are often not covered by insurance-based  unemployment and sickness benefit schemes. Others, who were already out of work before the crisis, now face protracted hardship. The situation is worse in countries with large informal sectors and weak social protection systems where growing numbers of people lose work without any access to income support.

To access this policy brief, please click here.

To discuss this subject on the COVID-19 Forum, please click here.