Our Policy Officer Stefan Kitzmann has recently written a contribution for the #No Precarious Work Project, an initiative which aims to address the growing issue of precarious work across Europe by examining it from four different perspectives – policies, politics, research, and social actors.
In his contribution, Mr. Kitzmann stresses the need to take targeted steps to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 crisis not only on the elderly people but also on all other vulnerable groups at risk such as homeless, people living with debt, children, (undocumented) migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, Roma, people with disabilities or people experiencing mental health issues and others.
He also notes that for these groups income inequality transforms into a matter of life and death as they have limited – and sometimes none at all – access to healthcare services and unemployment benefits. This situation is particularly alarming for low-skilled employees who cannot work from home and/or are required to work with people despite the outbreak.
Mr. Kitzmann calls on the EU to take measures to enhance social protection systems by expanding the coverage of such schemes and increasing the benefits provided. It is essential that, alongside the proposals on an Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme Mechanism, work is accelerated on adequate minimum income and that Member States are given guidance on the level of social benefits that will ensure people are able to retain a dignified life.
To read the contribution in full, please visit #No Precarious Work’s official website.