Such is the background to the meeting of Social Policy and Health Ministers. Yet far from being pessimistic about future prospects, Ministers will discuss policies which are making real improvements in the well-being of our societies. Governments of all political persuasions are now seeking new ways to achieve equity and efficiency goals, and the meeting will discuss where fundamental reforms are needed. Ministers will discuss the need for employment-oriented social policies.
Unemployment remains far too high in many countries.
In extreme cases, individuals become so detached from the labour market and normal everyday life that they cumulate social, health and financial problems, becoming socially excluded. There must be adequate support for those who cannot work, but there is also a need to prepare people better for employment. Removing barriers to work, such as those embodied in many benefit systems, is desirable. One of the great achievements of social protection systems has been to alleviate old-age poverty. However, in order to maintain prosperity in an ageing society there is a need to rebalance burdens between generations.