INFORMAL SECTORINFORMAL SECTORPRESENT REALITIES AND STRATEGIES TO PRESENT REALITIES AND STRATEGIES TO

IMPACT COVERAGEIMPACT COVERAGE

Presentation for the Working Groups Meeting, Presentation for the Working Groups Meeting, of the XIV IACML of the XIV IACML

San Jose Costa Rica, May 8-11, 2007San Jose Costa Rica, May 8-11, 2007

Presented by: Presented by: Reginald F. A. Thomas and Reginald F. A. Thomas and

Bernadine DublinBernadine DublinSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesSt. Vincent and the Grenadines

IntroductionIntroduction

Social exclusion of a significant proportion of self-Social exclusion of a significant proportion of self-employed persons is a rapidly growing concern for employed persons is a rapidly growing concern for individuals, families, communities and the world of individuals, families, communities and the world of social security. The self-employed persons are a social security. The self-employed persons are a unique class of workers stretching from a diverse unique class of workers stretching from a diverse economic background, who suffers from volatile, economic background, who suffers from volatile, uncertain and in most cases low income stream. The uncertain and in most cases low income stream. The inherent nature of their income pattern and their inherent nature of their income pattern and their presumed inability to plan for retirement, clearly presumed inability to plan for retirement, clearly demonstrate the need for social protection through a demonstrate the need for social protection through a system that provides a sound security for future system that provides a sound security for future financial stability.financial stability.

Through an ISSA initiative, the NISSVG has Through an ISSA initiative, the NISSVG has been charged with the responsibility of been charged with the responsibility of designing a survey instrument geared towards designing a survey instrument geared towards assessing the needs and coverage gap within assessing the needs and coverage gap within the local self-employed population. This the local self-employed population. This research paper does not only reflect our research paper does not only reflect our commitment to ISSA but also reveals NISSVG commitment to ISSA but also reveals NISSVG willingness to play a lead role in guaranteeing willingness to play a lead role in guaranteeing financial stability for vulnerable members of financial stability for vulnerable members of the society.the society.

MethodologyMethodology

The survey instrument used to conduct the research The survey instrument used to conduct the research was in the form of a questionnaire comprising was in the form of a questionnaire comprising of twenty (20) comprehensive questions of twenty (20) comprehensive questions designed to capture data on:designed to capture data on:

1.1. Demographic and employment Demographic and employment

2.2. Coverage gapCoverage gap

3.3. Benefit and Contribution NeedsBenefit and Contribution Needs

4.4. Providers of Similar productsProviders of Similar products

3.1 Demographic and Economic 3.1 Demographic and Economic FindingsFindings

Demographic data not only forms the crux of Demographic data not only forms the crux of risk management within the social security risk management within the social security plan but also serves as a critical tool in plan but also serves as a critical tool in formulating and implementing marketing formulating and implementing marketing strategies. To this end, the gender structure of strategies. To this end, the gender structure of the participants was established and is depicted the participants was established and is depicted in the diagram below:in the diagram below:

Gender DistributionGender Distribution

Gender

430

442

420

425

430

435

440

445

Male Female

freq

uen

cy

Age DistributionAge Distribution

60

235

305

191

5724

050

100150

200250

300350

16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-60 >60

Age Group

Freq

uenc

y

Type of OccupationType of Occupation

Professional12

Tailor14

Contractor11Taxi Driver

75

Hairdresser43

Other217

Vendor308

Farmer192

Age: OccupationAge: Occupation

Occupation Age-Group Vendor Contractor Taxi Driver Farmer Hairdresser Tailor Professional Other

16-24 16 0 8 9 6 0 0 21 25-34 75 5 21 49 23 0 4 58

35-44 126 4 22 70 9 6 6 62 45-54 69 1 12 43 5 7 1 53

55-60 15 1 10 11 0 0 1 19

>60 7 0 2 10 0 1 0 4 Total 308 11 75 192 43 14 12 217

The levels of income earned by participants are certainly of interest in The levels of income earned by participants are certainly of interest in this analysis. Accordingly, a diagram is presented below showing the this analysis. Accordingly, a diagram is presented below showing the

income brackets of the respondents:income brackets of the respondents:

Income brackets

Income

399

293

118

32 22 80

100

200

300

400

500

<$520 $521-$1000 $1001-$2000 $2001-$3000 $3001-$4000 >$4000

monthly earnings

freq

uenc

y

Level of CoverageLevel of Coverage

Coverage Rate: Age groupsCoverage Rate: Age groups

Registration Status

Age Group Yes No Coverage rate

16-24 12 48 20%

25-34 81 154 34%

35-44 112 193 36% 45-54 77 114 40%

55-60 23 34 40%

>60 6 18 25%

Total 311 561 36%

Coverage Rate: OccupationCoverage Rate: Occupation

Registration Status Coverage rate

Occupational Class Yes No

Vendor 112 196 36%

Contractor 3 8 27%

Taxi Driver 23 52 31%

Farmer 70 122 36%

Hairdresser 15 28 35%

Tailor 5 9 36%

Professional 4 8 33%

Other 79 138 57%

Total 311 561 36%

Given the low coverage rates among participants, it is Given the low coverage rates among participants, it is essential to get an idea of what are the major factors that essential to get an idea of what are the major factors that hindered coverage. The following table shows some factors hindered coverage. The following table shows some factors cited by non-registered participants:cited by non-registered participants:

Barriers to coverage

Barriers Numbers Percentage

Low Level wages 76 14% No Knowledge of the NIS 230 41%

Irregular income Pattern 76 14% Too Much red tape 8 1%

No confidence 8 1%

The results revealed that only 50% of participants are The results revealed that only 50% of participants are satisfied with the benefits provided under the self-satisfied with the benefits provided under the self-employed program while nearly 45% are unaware of employed program while nearly 45% are unaware of the benefits. The remaining 5% were dissatisfied with the benefits. The remaining 5% were dissatisfied with the benefits. Vendors and farmers constituted the the benefits. Vendors and farmers constituted the highest percentage of those who were satisfied. On highest percentage of those who were satisfied. On the other hand, the majority of Taxi drivers and fisher the other hand, the majority of Taxi drivers and fisher folks expressed dissatisfaction about the benefit folks expressed dissatisfaction about the benefit package.package.

Of the 36% registered participants, 61% were Of the 36% registered participants, 61% were satisfied with the benefits, 5% were dissatisfied and a satisfied with the benefits, 5% were dissatisfied and a striking 34% were unaware of the benefits.striking 34% were unaware of the benefits.

Benefit and Contribution NeedsBenefit and Contribution Needs

Reasons for dissatisfaction with Reasons for dissatisfaction with benefit packagebenefit package

Reasons for dissatisfaction Proportion

Insufficient Benefit amount 0.26

Forms are not user friendly 0.04

Limited benefit types 0.09

Delays in benefit payments 0.00

Too many qualifying conditions 0.11

Other 0.04

Desired benefit packageDesired benefit package

Benefit Types Proportion of Population Requested the benefit type

Sickness 0.87

Maternity 0.72

Invalidity 0.84

Temporary Unemployment 0.82

Health 0.85

Age Pension 0.87

Survivors 0.84

Funeral Grant 0.84

Employment Injury 0.82

Level of Importance of ContingenciesLevel of Importance of Contingencies

Level of Importance

Contingencies Very Important Important Not Important

Illness/Health 0.83 0.15 0.02

Death 0.78 0.18 0.04

Maternity 0.57 0.23 0.20

Disability 0.75 0.19 0.06

Temporary Unemployment 0.56 0.28 0.16

Retirement 0.85 0.11 0.05

Desired monthly contributionDesired monthly contribution

Monthly contribution

540

242

40 29 11 100

100

200

300

400

500

600

<$30 $31-$60 $61-$90 $91-$120 $121-$150 $181-$210

Amount

Freq

uenc

y

The following table aims to establish a relationship The following table aims to establish a relationship between the contribution bands and occupation between the contribution bands and occupation types:types:

Contribution Levels vs type of Occupation

Monthly Contributions rate Occupation <$30 $31-$60 $61-$90 $91-$120 $121-$150 $181-$210

Vendor 69% 25% 4% 2% 0% 0%

Contractor 64% 18% 0% 0% 0% 18%

Taxi Driver 40% 49% 5% 3% 0% 3%

Farmer 77% 18% 1% 2% 1% 1%

Hairdresser 51% 35% 5% 9% 0% 0%

Tailor 29% 43% 7% 14% 7% 0%

Professional 17% 17% 8% 17% 25% 17%

Other 53% 31% 8% 4% 2% 1%

Given that the income stream for the self-employed are Given that the income stream for the self-employed are uncertain both in amounts and timing, respondents were uncertain both in amounts and timing, respondents were asked to select their desired contribution payment asked to select their desired contribution payment frequency. The results are presented in the diagram below:frequency. The results are presented in the diagram below:

Desired Contribution Payment Frequency

Frequency of Contribution

43 798 10 7 140

100200300400500600700800900

Weekly Monthly Twice per year Yearly Other

Schedule

Freq

uenc

y

Coverage rates by InstitutionsCoverage rates by Institutions

Institutions Coverage Rates

NIS 36%

GECCU 34% KCCU 27%

CLICO 12% BRITISH AMERICAN INSURANCE 13%

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES 48%

Non-Registrants of NIS with Non-Registrants of NIS with supplemental Planssupplemental Plans

Supplemental Benefit Plan Proportion of NIS Non-Registrants

Personal Retirement Plan 7%

Personal Health Plan 7%

Social Welfare 3%

Medical Assistance Plan 3%

Ratings of NISRatings of NIS

Efficiency rating

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

High Average Low Poor No know ledge

rating scale

freq

uenc

y

The survey revealed that a significant proportion of the self-The survey revealed that a significant proportion of the self-employed population is not covered under the NIS program. employed population is not covered under the NIS program. An overall 36% coverage rate, in an environment where there An overall 36% coverage rate, in an environment where there is an upsurge in the self-employment rate, is certainly not is an upsurge in the self-employment rate, is certainly not impressive. The analysis also shows that the majority of non-impressive. The analysis also shows that the majority of non-registered participants are within the age group 16-44 and that registered participants are within the age group 16-44 and that as one move away from the city the probability of coverage as one move away from the city the probability of coverage decreases. The NIS practitioners will need to look at measures decreases. The NIS practitioners will need to look at measures that would significantly improve the coverage gap thereby that would significantly improve the coverage gap thereby securing the growing informal workers with a dignified securing the growing informal workers with a dignified social benefit. Deeper examination of the barriers to coverage social benefit. Deeper examination of the barriers to coverage is certainly a starting point in formulating policies to address is certainly a starting point in formulating policies to address the issue of low coverage. the issue of low coverage.

Conclusion

The survey results also revealed that just over 50% of The survey results also revealed that just over 50% of participants were satisfied with the current benefit package participants were satisfied with the current benefit package whilst a surprising 45% have no knowledge of the product. whilst a surprising 45% have no knowledge of the product. Not withstanding that the benefits that the participants showed Not withstanding that the benefits that the participants showed strong desire for, are currently part of the benefit package strong desire for, are currently part of the benefit package under the self employed product; these speak of the need to under the self employed product; these speak of the need to further advertise the package offered by the NIS. It is worth further advertise the package offered by the NIS. It is worth noting that approximately 82% of participants expressed noting that approximately 82% of participants expressed interest for two benefit types (Temporary Employment and interest for two benefit types (Temporary Employment and Employment Injury) that are not included in the current Employment Injury) that are not included in the current package. However, only 56% believed that these benefits are package. However, only 56% believed that these benefits are very important. In effect, the benefit types offered within the very important. In effect, the benefit types offered within the self-employed program can sell the product. However, self-employed program can sell the product. However, policymakers and the entire staff at NIS need to create a public policymakers and the entire staff at NIS need to create a public platform for the product. platform for the product.

Recommendations ???Recommendations ???

This section outlines some possible steps in This section outlines some possible steps in which NIS should embrace in order to narrow which NIS should embrace in order to narrow the coverage gap among the self employed the coverage gap among the self employed sector. The following steps are open for sector. The following steps are open for directors discussions before the final draft is directors discussions before the final draft is made;made;

Marketing InitiativesMarketing Initiatives

Promotion: This speaks of public awareness Promotion: This speaks of public awareness campaigns geared towards building the campaigns geared towards building the knowledge base of NIS within the target knowledge base of NIS within the target group. Adult Literacy, Media programs, group. Adult Literacy, Media programs, School program, Town hall meetings, NIS on School program, Town hall meetings, NIS on wheelswheels

Product Development- benefitsProduct Development- benefits Pricing- re-examining the contribution Pricing- re-examining the contribution

bracketsbrackets

On-going Research DriveOn-going Research Drive

This involves annual assessment of the needs This involves annual assessment of the needs of the self-employed with respect to social of the self-employed with respect to social security coverage. This address the “one security coverage. This address the “one model fit all” ideology.model fit all” ideology.

This process also involves data coverageThis process also involves data coverage

Compliance InitiativesCompliance Initiatives

This compliance drive should be propelled on This compliance drive should be propelled on two aspects:two aspects:

(1) Mandatory for professional self-employed (1) Mandatory for professional self-employed persons e.g. lawyers, doctorspersons e.g. lawyers, doctors

(2) Voluntary or persuasion for the informal (2) Voluntary or persuasion for the informal sector sector

Policy InitiativesPolicy Initiatives

Possible amendment to legislationPossible amendment to legislation Establishing convenient payment centres. This can Establishing convenient payment centres. This can

either be in collaboration with existing financial and either be in collaboration with existing financial and or institution such as GECCU, post offices, Banks, or or institution such as GECCU, post offices, Banks, or in some cases where feasible set up an NIS sub-in some cases where feasible set up an NIS sub-office.office.

Strategy that allow for the representation of self-Strategy that allow for the representation of self-employed population. Example, set up an ad-hoc employed population. Example, set up an ad-hoc marketing team that involves one or two members marketing team that involves one or two members from the self-employed population.from the self-employed population.

Policy InitiativesPolicy Initiatives

Join ventures are memorandum of Join ventures are memorandum of understanding e.g. understanding e.g.

NIS and Fisheries UnitNIS and Fisheries Unit NIS and the Standards Bureau NIS and the Standards Bureau NIS and the Ministry of Finance NIS and the Ministry of Finance

DiscussionDiscussion

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