UN report calls on governments to act on jobs and quality public services

Amid growing evidence that government austerity measures will deepen the world-wide economic recession, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on governments to act on job creation and the universal social protection provided through quality public services. The call comes in a report to the UN Commission on Social Development, which is meeting in New York from 1 – 10 February.

The report notes that, “for economic growth to contribute to poverty reduction, macroeconomic and social policies should focus on job creation, reducing inequalities and providing social protection.”

“The trends towards austerity in response to the debt crisis, if not reversed, will worsen inequality and exclusion and ultimately dampen prospects for economic recovery,” concludes the report.

Labour leaders called on governments to act on the report.

“We welcome the Secretary-General’s emphasis on employment to reduce poverty, as well as the recognition of the deep crisis of youth unemployment.  Governments need to heed the UN’s call to deliver decent incomes and security, and the protection of international labour standards,” said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of ITUC.

The report acknowledges that the economic policies advocated by international financial institutions over the last three decades – deregulation, liberalization and privatization – have failed to address the root causes of poverty. It also reinforces the trade union view that increasing workers’ bargaining power has a positive impact on reducing poverty and inequality, and that “the provision of minimum wages and employment protection can be important tools for an equitable distribution of productive opportunities and inclusive growth.”

Importantly, the report recommends that governments consider the implementation of national social protection floors as a means to provide systemic insurance against poverty for all.