From sharing to earning. Considerations for Social Security in the 21st Century
The existing system of social security is not sustainable in the longer term, particularly because of the ageing of the population. A combination of an activation policy and an allowances policy could help to accomplish the necessary adjustment of the labour market to the changes in the world economy, the WRR concludes in its report From Sharing to Earning: Considerations for Social Security in the 21st Century (Report no. 51, 1997)
Three possible solutions
In the report, the WRR investigates three possible policy solutions: insurance, activation and allowances. A key finding is that the relationship between the client, the case manager and/or employer is not non-committal but is binding in nature and therefore brings with it mutual rights and obligations.
Solution lies in a combination of directions
A long-term strategy to increase the labour productivity of the working population calls mainly for investment in people. According to the WRR, a combination of an activation policy and an allowances policy tailored to the specific circumstances is a good option. Improving labour participation requires customised individual cases management, according to the WRR.