Report: Society at a Glance 2014 
OECD: Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs

This report takes stock of available information about the social challenges emerging since the beginning of the economic crisis, and countries’ policy responses to meet those challenges.

This seventh edition shows that despite an improving global economy, the squeeze on public spending in many countries will make it increasingly difficult to cope with the social challenges thrown up by the crisis.

Public spending on disability, family and unemployment benefits rose during the early phases of the crisis but these areas are now under pressure. Coverage has also been a challenge: while social protection programmes helped soften the blow for many people, others were left with little or no support, notably in southern Europe.

Governments need to consider any further expenditure cuts very carefully, says the OECD. These may add to the hardship of the most vulnerable and could create problems for future social cohesion. While the long-term commitment to restore public finances should be maintained in order to create confidence, it cannot happen at the cost of raising inequalities and social gaps.

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Media Release: http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/urgent-action-needed-to-tackle-rising-inequality-and-social-divisions-says-oecd.htm