Social Protection and Labor

Social protection and labor systems promote better employment, prevent income loss, and protect people facing shocks and transitions. These programs are not just about helping people get by, they help them get ahead.

Featured

Feature Story

Delivering Jobs for People Living in Poverty

Economic inclusion programs can ensure millions get access to job opportunities now.
PUBLICATION

State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2-Billion-Person Challenge

Despite recent progress, three in four people in the poorest countries have no social protection coverage. Across low- and middle-income countries, 2 billion people remain inadequately covered.
Fact Sheet

Harnessing Opportunities and Managing Risks : Social Protection Factsheet

The World Bank helps countries to promote better employment, prevent income loss, and protect people against shocks and transitions.

At-a-glance

Access to social protection and labor programs is critical to provide vital support for millions of people facing poverty, crises and life’s uncertainties. It helps protect people against shocks today and build resilience and human capital to make the most of tomorrow. Well-designed social protection programs have a high return on investment. For every dollar transferred to poor families, there is an estimated multiplier effect of $2.50 in the local economy.

Overview

Data-ASPIRE

The Atlas of Social Protection Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE) provides social protection performance indicators for over 125 countries

Data

Projects & Programs

Rapid Social Response Program

The Rapid Social Response Program is a key instrument for implementing the World Bank’s 2023–28 Social Protection and Jobs Compass to achieve universal protection and to increase equity, resilience, and opportunities for all vulnerable households. It has provided $141 million to fund 384 activities in 109 countries.

All Projects

Focus Areas

Adaptive Social Protection

Safety nets & cash transfers to poor households are one of the most effective poverty reduction strategies.
Labor & Employment

Economic inclusion and labor market programs can enhance people’s employability, productivity, skills, and labor mobility.
Aging & Pensions

Pension systems provide economic stability and security for aging populations.
Migration & Labor Mobility

Managing migration’s drivers and impacts allows origin and destination countries to share the gains.
Skills Development

Ensuring that individuals have access to quality education, training opportunities, and that employers can find the skills they ...