Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. Australia. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 164 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264009721-en

Abstract

"In the face of rapid population ageing and the trend towards early retirement, there is a need to promote better employment opportunities for older people. Much has been said about the need for reform of old-age pensions and early retirement schemes but this may not be sufficient to raise employment rates for older people significantly or to reduce the future risk of labour shortages. Both governments and firms will need to take active measures to adapt wage-setting practices to ageing workforces, to address the extent to which other welfare schemes act as pathways to early retirement, to tackle age discrimination and to improve the job skills and working conditions of older workers. In addition, older workers will need to change their own attitudes towards working longer and acquiring new skills. Little is known about what countries have been doing or should be doing in these areas. This report on Australia is part of a series of around 20 OECD country reports that are intended to fill this gap. Each report contains a survey of the main barriers to employment for older workers, an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to overcome these barriers and a set of policy recommendations for further action by the public authorities and social partners. The chapters are about
- the challenge ahead
- the labour market situation of older workers
- striking the right balance: income support and work incentives for older people
- encouraging employers to retain and hire older people
- helping older workers to carry on working
- ensuring policies are comprehensive and coherent." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. United States. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 193 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264009608-en

Abstract

"In some respects, the United States is better placed than many other OECD countries to cope with population ageing. First, its population is projected to age less rapidly over the next half century than in most OECD countries. Second public expenditure an old-age pensions is quite low by OECD standards and is expected to increase only modestly over the next half century relative to GDP. Third, labour market outcomes for older people in the United States are generally better than in many OECD countries. For instance, over two-thirds of all Americans aged 50-64 are working - which places the United States in the top third of OECD countries - and, while only about one-fifth of Americans aged 65-74 are working, this is still well above the OECD average. And, last but not least, life expectancy and health outcomes more generally are expected to continue to improve over the coming decades, opening up greater opportunities for older Americans to both extend their working lives and enjoy more years of retirement." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. Germany. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 167 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264012745-en

Abstract

"Today, many older Germans stop working well before reaching the statutory retirement age of 65. As a result, only two out of five people in Germany between the ages of 55 and 64 are employed, well below the ratio in most other OECD countries. By comparison, about three out of five people in this age group are still active in Britain and the US and more than 70% in Sweden.
Unless this situation changes, Germany could face labour shortages, slowing economic growth and worsening public finances, the OECD report warns. The problem is especially acute in the former East German states, where birth rates are lower and many younger, skilled workers have emigrated to take advantage of job opportunities in western Germany.
The report on Germany outlines barriers to the employment of older workers and gives policy recommendations for action to overcome them, aimed at both the German government, employers, trade unions and older workers themselves.
While a lot has been done in recent years to encourage older workers to carry on working, it is important that the new government keeps up the momentum of reform. Specifically, the OECD recommends that Germany should:
- raise the retirement age in line with rising life expectancy. While the OECD welcomes the incoming government's plans to raise the retirement age in the long term to 67, it says action may be needed earlier than in 2008, as currently planned.
- introduce job-search requirements for all, irrespective of age. Incentives to retire before the official retirement age or to withdraw from the labour market by taking advantage of disability pensions or unemployment benefits combined with exemptions from job-search requirements should be removed. Early retirement schemes for the long-term unemployed should be phased out faster. Every person registered as unemployed should be required to look for a job.
- improve the employability of older workers. Training programmes for older workers, especially for the low and medium-skilled, are urgently needed in order to help older workers who lose their jobs to find new employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. Netherlands. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 144 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264012097-en

Abstract

"In the Netherlands, the proportion of persons aged 65 and over to the working-age population will rise to 40% by 2050. Without policy changes, this could lead to higher public expenditures, labour force shortages, and slower economic growth. This report surveys of the main barriers to employment for older workers, assesses of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to overcome these barriers and presents a set of policy recommendations for further action by the public authorities and social partners. It examines the balances between income support and work incentives, methods for encouraging employers to hire and retain workers, and policies for ensuring the employability of older workers. The chapters are about
- The Challenge Ahead
- Older Workers in the Dutch Labour Market
- Income Support and Work Initiatives: Striking the Right Balance
- Encouraging Employers to Hire and Retain Older Workers
- Ensuring the Employability of Older Workers
- Ensuring that Policies are Comprehensive and Conherent." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): National accord on older workers. In: European Industrial Relations Review H. 383, S. 26-28.

Abstract

"A new national agreement aims to increase the labour market participation rate of older workers in France. The agreement focuses an changing attitudes to older workers, ensuring career development by means of training and adapting jobs to suit the worker, and encouraging people to return to the labour market by eliminating discrimination and examining arrangements for workers to receive pensions alongside pay. It is hoped that these provisions will allow France to meet the EU target of a 50% older workers' participation rate by 2010." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Going for growth. (Economic policy reforms ... : going for growth), Paris, 193 S.

Abstract

"Economic Policy Reforms: Going for Growth is a new annual periodical - intended as a complement to the OECD Economic Outlook and OECD Economic Surveys - which gives an overview of structural policy developments in OECD countries. The report pinpoints structural policy priorities to enhance GDP per capita for all member countries, and ways to improve labour productivity and utilisation are identified on the basis of cross-country comparisons of policy settings. A chapter presenting key structural policy indicators (including labour costs and taxation, unemployment and disability benefits, product market regulation, trade barriers, educational attainment and public investment) is followed by a comprehensive Country Notes chapter, consisting of individual analytical sections for each member country and the European Union. Each issue of Economic Policy Reforms: Going for Growth will also present several in-depth thematic studies. The topics covered in this first issue are: product market regulation, retirement effects of old-age pension and early retirement schemes, female labour force participation and the long-term budgetary implications of tax-favoured retirement saving plans." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Alterung und Beschäftigungspolitik. Deutschland. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 187 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264014060-de

Abstract

"Angesichts der rasch fortschreitenden Bevölkerungsalterung und des Trends zum vorzeitigen Arbeitsmarktrückzug muss für bessere Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten für ältere Menschen gesorgt werden. Über die Notwendigkeit einer Reform der Rentensysteme und der Vorruhestandsregelungen wurde bereits viel gesagt, die bisherigen Maßnahmen sind jedoch u.U. unzureichend, um die Beschäftigungsquoten der älteren Arbeitskräfte deutlich anzuheben oder das Risiko künftiger Arbeitskräfteverknappungen einzudämmen. Regierungen ebenso wie Unternehmen werden aktive Maßnahmen ergreifen müssen, um die Lohnfindungsmechanismen auf eine alternde Erwerbsbevölkerung abzustimmen, um zu verhindern, dass andere Sozialtransfersysteme als alternative Wege in die Frührente genutzt werden, um Altersdiskriminierung zu bekämpfen und um die Arbeitsplatzkompetenzen und Arbeitsbedingungen der älteren Arbeitskräfte zu verbessern. Außerdem müssen die älteren Arbeitskräfte selbst ihre Einstellung zu einem längeren Verbleib im Erwerbsleben und zur Aneignung neuer Kompetenzen ändern. Es ist nur wenig darüber bekannt, was die Länder in diesem Bereich unternehmen bzw. unternehmen sollten." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. Denmark. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 126 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264014169-en

Abstract

"Part of the OECD series on Ageing and Employment Policies, the OECD report on Denmark outlines the main barriers to employment facing older workers, an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to overcome these barriers and policy recommendations for further action by the Danish government, social partners and older workers themselves. Recommendations for reform The OECD's report acknowledges that in some respects Denmark is better placed to meet the challenges of population ageing than many other OECD countries. First, population ageing is occurring less rapidly than in many other OECD countries. Second, labour market participation rates of older women and men are already among the highest in the OECD area. Third, a number of disincentives to continue working as well as the employability of older workers have already been addressed. Nevertheless, the OECD notes that many older Danes continue to withdraw from the labour market well before reaching the official retirement age of 65. To remove the barriers that many older workers face to carry on working, the OECD calls on the Danish authorities to adopt a coordinated and comprehensive package of measures. These include: Abolish the voluntary early retirement pension (VERP). Despite past reforms, the VERP remains a major disincentive to working at an older age and should be abolished. Avoid unemployment benefits being used as a pathway to early retirement. The older unemployed should be granted benefits for the same maximum period of four year as the younger unemployed. This would mean reducing the maximum period from nine years currently for the age group 51-59 but extending the limit from two-and-a-half years currently for the age group 60 and over. Re-enforce mutual obligations for the 58- to 60-year-olds. Unemployed people aged 58 to 60 may be excluded from various obligations to actively seek work or participate in training if they satisfy the conditions for entering the VERP at the age of 60. As a result, unemployment rates are two to three times higher in this age group compared with the national average. This group should be subject to the same mutual obligations as other age groups in exchange for more help to find them jobs. Allow for well-designed flexible work-retirement pathways through the public pension system. It is currently not possible to obtain a reduced public pension before the official retirement age of 65. If the VERP is phased out, there may be pressures for allowing more flexible retirement options through the public pension system. This can be done by making it possible to apply for actuarially reduced benefits before age 65 and to combine pension benefits with work income so that there is a financial gain from gradual retirement. Promote an age-friendly environment in firms. In particular, mandatory retirement clauses available in collective agreements need to be abolished and awareness among employers of age-discrimination legislation raised. Also, there is a need for expanding training opportunities for older and low-skilled workers, through a life course perspective." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2005): Vieillissement et politiques d'emploi. France. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 171 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264008878-en

Abstract

"In the face of rapid population ageing and the trend towards early retirement, there is a need to promote better employment opportunities for older people. Much has been said about the need for reform of old-age pensions and early retirement schemes but this may not be sufficient to raise employment rates for older people significantly or to reduce the future risk of labour shortages. Both governments and firms will need to take active measures to adapt wage-setting practices to ageing workforces, to address the extent to which other welfare schemes act as pathways to early retirement, to tackle age discrimination and to improve the job skills and working conditions of older workers. In addition, older workers will need to change their own attitudes towards working longer and acquiring new skills. In France, an overall strategy is needed: 1. Better mobilising the players on the ground; 2. Promoting employment for older people and offering them greater choice when they take retirement; 3.Removing obstacles to continuing employment and recruitment after the age of 50; 4. Promoting the employability of workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

Die EU steht wie noch nie zuvor einem demografischen Wandel gegenüber, der beträchtliche Auswirkungen auf Gesellschaft und Wirtschaft haben wird. Die Menschen leben länger und gesünder, und die Geburtenrate ist auf 1,5 Kind pro Frau gesunken. Laut Basisszenario der Bevölkerungsvorausschätzungen von Eurostat wird im Jahr 2030 die Anzahl der Kinder und Jugendlichen in Europa um 18 Millionen abgenommen haben. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt wird es in der EU 24 Millionen mehr ältere Arbeitnehmer im Alter von 55 bis 64 Jahren als heute geben sowie 34,7 Millionen Menschen, die älter als 80 sind (verglichen mit 18,8 Millionen heute). Wie können wir diese Herausforderungen annehmen? Wie sollen wir die Tendenz zum Bevölkerungsrückgang umkehren? Wie sollen wir mit den Auswirkungen einer alternden Bevölkerung fertig werden und gleichzeitig den Jüngsten unter uns neue Chancen anbieten? Dies sind einige der Fragen, die in dem Grünbuch der Kommission aufgegriffen werden, das zum Ziel hat, eine Debatte zu starten, an der alle Betroffenen aufgerufen sind sich zu beteiligen. Für die Europäische Union werden folgende Prioritäten herausgestellt: 1. Förderung der Geburtenraten durch eine angemessene Familienpolitik; 2. Sicherstellung eines Gleichgewichts zwischen den Generationen sowie 3. Schaffung neuer Übergänge zwischen den Lebensabschnitten. (IAB)

Zitatform

(2005): Ageing and employment policies. Canada. (Ageing and employment policies), Paris, 138 S. DOI:10.1787/9789264012455-en

Abstract

"Giving Canadians more opportunity to remain in the workforce longer will benefit both the economy and the workers themselves. If Canadians continue to retire early, population ageing will lead to a pronounced slowdown in labour force growth and hence to weaker economic growth. There is a human dimension as well - many older Canadians would prefer to remain in paid employment for longer if the appropriate policies and workplace practices were in place. The OECD's report on Canada outlines the main barriers to employment facing older workers, an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to overcome these barriers and policy recommendations for further action by the Canadian government, employers, trade unions and older workers themselves. The OECD's report notes that Canada is better placed to meet the challenges of population ageing, than many other OECD countries. First, Canada's population is not expected to age as rapidly or as extensively as in Japan and many European countries. Second, past reform has strengthened the financial sustainability of public expenditures on old-age pensions. Third, the labour market situation of older Canadians has improved considerably in recent years. Nevertheless, the OECD argues, Canada should do more to improve employment opportunities for older Canadians whose participation rates are still below the levels in several other OECD countries. Though there have been some recent improvements, to successfully meet the challenges of population ageing Canada will need to adopt a co-ordinated and comprehensive package of measures to encourage older workers to work longer." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Brall, Nathalie, Stephan Fasshauer, Eckhard Lübke & Helmut Stahl (2004): Neuregelungen im Bereich der Altersgrenzen. In: Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Jg. 59, H. 6/7, S. 350-363.

Abstract

"Das Gesetz zur Sicherung der nachhaltigen Finanzierungsgrundlagen der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung (RV-Nachhaltigkeitsgesetz) sieht eine Anhebung der Altersgrenze für die frühestmögliche Inanspruchnahme der Altersrente wegen Arbeitslosigkeit oder nach Altersteilzeitarbeit vor (§ 237 SGB VI). Ziel dieser Maßnahme ist es, das tatsächliche Renteneintrittsalter zu erhöhen. Von einer Anhebung der Regelaltersgrenze von 65 auf 67 Jahre hat der Gesetzgeber aus verschiedenen Gründen - jedenfalls derzeit - noch abgesehen. In dem Beitrag werden nach einer Einführung der von der Neuregelung betroffene Personenkreis und die finanziellen Auswirkungen dargestellt. Abschließend erfolgt eine verfassungsrechtliche und sozialpolitische Bewertung." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Bratberg, Espen, Tor Helge Holmås & «ystein Thøgersen (2004): Assessing the effects of an early retirement program. In: Journal of population economics, Jg. 17, H. 3, S. 387-408.

Abstract

"We investigate induced retirement effects of the Norwegian early retirement program AFP and emphasize effects caused by relocations of some individuals from disability pension and unemployment to AFP. Theoretical considerations predict that AFP unambiguously induces more early retirement. Analyzing Norwegian register data 1994-96 with parametric and non-parametric methods, we demonstrate that i) economic incentives influence the retirement decision, ii) there is a significant net induced retirement effect, iii) by a conservative judgment, at least 50% of the AFP retirees would have stayed in the labor force without the scheme." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Disney, Richard (2004): Are contributions to public pension programmes a tax on employment? In: Economic Policy. A European Forum, Jg. 19, H. 39, S. 267-311.

Abstract

"Many studies describe the potentially adverse impact on employment of the payroll costs of financing public pension programmes. Conventionally, empirical studies treat contributions to public pension programmes as a pure tax (in, for example, calculations of the tax wedge by OECD). But this approach ignores any future rights to benefits that are perceived by contributors. In fact, public pension programmes contain both an 'actuarial' and a 'redistributive' component - the former closer to saving, the latter a tax. The paper constructs indicators of the tax component of pension programmes, both between and within generations, across a range of OECD countries and time periods. It uses these measures in a cross-country panel analysis of the determinants of age and gender-specific economic activity rates. The results reveal robust evidence that when public pension programme contributions are broken down into a tax component and a savings component, the tax component of the payroll contribution reduces economic activity rates among women while a higher retirement saving component has the opposite effect. There is little evidence that average tax rates, however constructed, have any adverse impact on the economic activity rates of men." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Dorn, David (2004): An empirical analysis of early retirement. Switzerland in an international comparison. (Schriftenreihe des Forschungsinstitutes für Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht 27), Bern u.a.: Haupt, 115 S.

Abstract

"Switzerland is experiencing a trend toward early retirement. In view of an aging population and a financially challenged social security system, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for policymakers in government and business alike. This study provides a comparative perspective on experience with early retirement in Switzerland. Using data from the 2002 Swiss Labor Force Survey, the analysis identifies (i) which people go into early retirement, and (ii) why they retire early. An international comparison of early retirement discusses (iii) the impact of -different institutional frameworks on the incidence of early retirement, and based on data from the 1997 International Social Survey Programme, it analyzes (iv) the frequency of involuntary early retirement in 19 countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Epstein, Gil S. & Shmuel Nitzan (2004): Employer pay policies, public transfers and the retirement decisions of men and women in Denmark. In: European Economic Review, Jg. 48, H. 1, S. 201-210. DOI:10.1016/S0014-2921(02)00261-1

Abstract

"The empirical retirement literature measures individual responses to variations in income flows due to public transfers, private individual or employer-provided pensions. We estimate a model accounting for the incentive effects from these sources. A dynamic structural model is extended to allow both individual and employer heterogeneity. This is applied to a Danish matched panel of workers and establishments, spanning a period of reforms to a public early retirement programme. Employer-specific compensation is found to be an important determinant of work and retirement income flows. Employer effects on retirement age are only found among sub-samples where access to public transfers is limited." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Even, William E. & David A. Macpherson (2004): Do pensions impede phased retirement? (IZA discussion paper 1353), Bonn, 37 S.

Abstract

"Many workers reveal a preference for a gradual reduction in work hours as they approach retirement ('phased retirement'), rather than a sudden change from full-time work to full-time retirement. Pension regulations may impede phased retirement without a switch of employers by prohibiting access to pension assets. This study uses Health and Retirement Survey data to investigate the extent to which a gradual reduction in work hours is made difficult by pensions, particularly defined benefit plans. The study also explores other possible impediments to phased retirement." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Funk, Lothar (2004): Mehr Beschäftigung für Ältere. Lehren aus dem Ausland. (IW-Positionen 08), Köln, S. 1-64.

Abstract

"Von 100 Einwohnern im Alter von 55 bis 64 Jahren waren in Deutschland im Jahr 2002 nur noch 38,4 Prozent beschäftigt. Das sind deutlich weniger als vor dreißig Jahren, als noch fast 50 Prozent erwerbstätig waren. Die Entwicklung in einer Reihe von Ländern zeigt, dass es möglich ist, höhere Erwerbstätigenquoten Älterer zu erreichen. Ausgehend von einem teilweise ähnlich geringen Niveau wie in Deutschland steigerten sie in wenigen Jahren die Erwerbstätigkeit Älterer erheblich. Hieraus lassen sich wesentliche Bedingungen für mehr Beschäftigung Älterer ableiten: Erstens könnten die Rentensysteme so gestaltet werden, dass ein vorzeitiges Ausscheiden aus dem Erwerbsleben weniger leicht und finanziell unattraktiv für Arbeitnehmer und Arbeitgeber ist. Zweitens verhilft ein geringer Regelungsgrad bei den Arbeitsverhältnissen zu einer hohen Erwerbstätigkeit aller und vor allem auch Älterer. Drittens würden höhere Investitionen in das vorhandene Humankapital auch über das 45. Lebensjahr hinaus erheblich dazu beitragen, die Beschäftigungsfähigkeit Älterer zu verbessern." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Funk, Lothar (2004): Employment opportunities for older wokers. A comparison of selected OECD countries. In: CESifo DICE report, Jg. 2, H. 2, S. 22-33.

Abstract

Es werden die Anteile der Beschäftigten im Alter zwischen 55 und 64 Jahren für verschiedenen Länder gegenübergestellt und für den Zeitraum 1970 bis 2002 verglichen. Erfolgreiche Länder mir einem Anteil über 50 Prozent sind Schweden, Schweiz, USA, Dänemark und Großbritannien, während Irland, Finnland und die Niederlande zwar darunter liegen, aber in den letzten Jahren stark aufgeholt haben. Deutschland liegt mit nur 38,4 Prozent Beschäftigung Älterer für 2002 nach wie vor an letzter Stelle. Als Einflussfaktoren für höhere Beschäftigungsquoten älterer Arbeitnehmer werden diskutiert: Möglichst weitgehende Deregulierung des Arbeitsmarktes; Anhebung des Ruhestandsalters durch Verringerung entsprechender finanzieller Anreize; Höhere Investitionen in Humankapital; Umstellungen der Arbeitszeitregelungen und Arbeitsorganisation. (IAB)

Zitatform

Guger, Alois & Christine Mayrhuber (2004): Angleichung des Pensionsalters der Frauen an jenes der Männer bis 2030. Auswirkungen in der gesetzlichen Pensionsversicherung. In: Österreichisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung. Monatsberichte H. 11, S. 825-835.

Abstract

Die Zahl der Rentenübertritte erhöhte sich in Österreich in den letzten Jahren insbesondere wegen der Anhebung des Alters für die vorzeitige Rente. IN den kommenden Jahrzehnten wird die Entwicklung von der Abschaffung des Vorruhestandes und von der Angleichung des Rentenalters der Frauen an das der Männer geprägt sein. Diese Angleichung wurde 1992 beschlossen und muss 2033 abgeschlossen sein. Unter der Annahme, dass wegen der Abnahme der Zahl der Erwerbsfähigen in den nächsten Jahrzehnten der Arbeitsmarkt zusätzliche Arbeitskräfte aufnehmen kann, wird die Umsetzung dieser Maßnahme das Rentensystem entlasten. Wird der Angleichungsprozess um zehn Jahre vorgezogen, dann fallen die Effekte etwas geringer aus, setzen aber entsprechend früher ein. (IAB2)