Report

Snakes and ladders: Tackling precarity in social security and employment support

Think tank: IPPR

Author(s): Various authors

February 21, 2024

This report from UK think tank IPPR looks at tackling precarity in social security and employment support.

Across the country, people are trying to make ends meet, build financial security and pursue their aspirations. But, in a vicious cycle of snakes and ladders, many are being pulled down into poverty.

This paper advocates for two core, short-term goals: Protecting people from poverty; opening up opportunities for sustainable, good quality work

The extent and depth of poverty reflects political choices. Divesting from social security is both a failure to deliver on an established social contract and a false economy, adding pressure to other public services and the labour market.

By working toward these goals, the next government can lay the groundwork for a social security system that fosters and protects financial security and breaks down barriers to opportunity.