Shaping inclusive economic growth in 2026

About the Center

(Header) About the Center

The digital transformation of European micro-businesses

Focus Areas

(Header) Focus Areas

Driving impact through bold leadership

Events

(Header) Events

Cyber resilience for financial inclusion

Insights

(Header) Insights

(Footer) About the Center

(Footer) Focus Areas

(Footer) Events

(Footer) Insights

Expanding unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in recessions is necessary yet has inherent challenges. In practice, the relative costs and benefits of recent UI expansions need to be assessed by looking at the data. Evidence from recent downturns can inform the policy challenge of expanding UI effectively in future recessions. This article discusses how extended UI benefits has affected the labor market, workers, and the economy by examining evidence from the pandemic and recession in 2008.

WorkRise

(partner) WorkRise

North America

Data for good

Economic development

Lessons from unemployment benefit expansions during Covid-19 and the great recessions

Financial health

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Europe

Latin American & Caribbean

Global

AI for social impact

Climate change

Digital transformation

Financial inclusion

Global development

Public-private partnerships

Small business