PROTECTING INCOME, REACTIVATING WORK. THE CHALLENGE OF INTEGRATING INCOME SUPPORT SCHEMES AND ACTIVE LABOUR MARKET POLICIES

Income support schemes such as NASPI (unemployment benefits) and the Cassa integrazione (wage guarantee fund) are an essential component of the welfare state, protecting income during the most fragile transitions of working life. However, they have a cost for the community and can have unwanted side effects if not properly designed. Over the past fifteen years, Italy has undertaken a profound overhaul of these instruments. What can be learned from it? How should the income support schemes of the future be designed?