The article is a translation of the opening speech, delivered by Nicholas Barr at the 5th International Research Conference on Social Security, 5-7.03.2007, Warsaw, titled 'Social Security and the Labour Market: a mismatch?'. The starting point of the article is the presentation of the economic social change during the last 50 years. The further parts discuss its influence on social policy, with the focus point on the changes in strategic policy directions. The last part of the article presents the spheres of mismatch between the labour market and social security with the clear suggestions for social policy reforms.