Having a job does not guarantee the ability to get out of the grip of poverty. A persistent shortage of decent job opportunities, inadequate investment and low consumption lead to the erosion of the fundamental social contract on which a democratic society is based: All progress must be shared. Decent work in safe and stable conditions is an important component of helping people move out of poverty, with aspects related to reducing hunger and improving health. The rise of precarious work, modern slavery, and unequal growth have created threats to a sustainable future. Colleges as employers can lead, as teachers can educate for the future, and as innovators can develop new and fairer ways of working.