Employment is the best form of income security. Low unemployment rates translate into social security contributions and government taxes that ensure the long-term sustainability of the social security system. A major objective of the Technical Commission on Employment Policies and Unemployment Insurance is to understand how programmes can be refined to best support the unemployed in a rapidly changing context, thus contributing to a thriving economy.
Employment and social protection are mutually reinforcing in shaping people’s lives and a country’s advancement. The ISSA Technical Commission on Employment Policies and Unemployment Insurance supports ISSA members to promote sustainable employment through sound employment policies and unemployment protection programmes.
Full and productive employment is only possible through inclusive, gender neutral and sustainable employment policies. On one hand, well-regulated employment constitutes the best form of income security. On the other hand, unemployment insurance is increasingly recognized as being more than a compensation system. It is a tool of employment policy and vocational rehabilitation, and a means of supporting social cohesion and economic growth.
In tandem with rapid automation and digitalization, new forms of employment are emerging in various occupations and sectors, such as in the digital platform economy. This requires that social security systems and schemes adapt in line with the specific situation and needs of workers, to ensure adequate social protection for all.
The Technical Commission on Employment Policies and Unemployment Insurance implements a work plan in line with ISSA priorities. It has overseen the development of the ISSA Guidelines on the Promotion of Sustainable Employment. Furthermore, it actively participates in ISSA activities and events, such as the ISSA Forum for Technical Commissions, Regional Social Security Forums, World Social Security Forum and ISSA workshops and diploma training activities.