Abstract

The Author describes the Italian social protection system as regards the new working patterns provided for by the reform of the labour market enacted by the government. In particular, the financing of the system and the requirements provided in order to qualify for benefits are analysed. Peculiar attention is reserved to the link between income protection and active labour market policies. The relevance of voluntary work and care work in the social protection system is also described. Moreover, the Author analyses the role to be played by complementary funds and bilateral funds as an alternative to the social plans organised at the plant level. Finally the Author evaluates the feasibility of the two options - contributive and non contributive regime - within the system.