ILO warns against spending cuts

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is warning countries against cutting social security benefits as a means of reducing public spending.



In its first ever World Social Security report, the ILO says comprehensive social security encourages stability.



However, the report has revealed that only about 20 per cent of the world’s population currently has access to comprehensive social protection.



It also states that exploding costs of medical care in particular can push families into financial catastrophe.



ILO executive director of social protection, Assane Diop has warned that by pushing people into poverty, cuts in social security can lead to political unrest.