A Changing World of Work: Implications for the Social Contract

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the world of work, hitting labour markets that were already weak and fragile. This brief describes recent changes in the world of work and discusses their implications for the social contract. It contends that the deep, long-standing employment crisis is damaging the social and economic fabric and, without decisive action, it may weaken support for a renewed social contract. Giving all workers a voice and ensuring decent working conditions is the only way to break the cycle of growing economic insecurity and low trust in public institutions.