More people have access to social protection than everA record number of people globally now have access to some sort of social protection, including pensions, disability benefits and direct cash payments. That’s according to a new report by the World Bank, which said that such protections are helping more people than ever “manage crises, escape poverty, navigate transitions and seize employment opportunities”. The report found that 4.7 billion people in low- and middle-income countries gained access to social protection over the last decade. However, critical gaps remain, with two billion people in such countries still “uncovered or inadequately covered” by social protection, it added. “Well-designed social protection programs have a high return on investment, support long-term human capital and economic growth, and help people become more self-reliant,” said the World Bank.