Working public works overtime

Should we expect more from public employment programs?

The issue 

Public employment programs are among the most popular poverty reduction policies, albeit not always cost-effective. These initiatives can help prevent the vulnerable from falling into poverty traps by boosting wages, skills, and infrastructure. However, in recent years, such short-term interventions have been criticized for lacking lasting impact. This has led to a debate about whether more medium-term public works projects are preferable. Though they may go against their original intent of workfare programs: to protect the poor in times of crisis.