Search results

In 2001, the OECD launched a review of policies to improve labour market prospects for older workers. The review, covering 21 OECD countries, aimed to examine both supply-side and demand-side aspects of this issue. This is the final report of the review of ageing and employment policies. It helps establish a new agenda for age-friendly employment policies and practices. It describes the policy challenges created by rapidly ageing labour forces in OECD countries and sets out the main lessons learned from the review. It discusses how to remove work disincentives and increase choice in the work-retirement decision, improve employability of older workers, and change employer attitudes and employment practices. The report recommends instituting persuasive financial incentives for people to continue working at an older age along with eliminating subsidised avenues for early retirement. Also, wage-setting and employment practices will need to be changed to encourage employers to hire and retain older workers. Older workers will need to be given assistance and encouragement to improve and maintain their employability. Finally, there will need to be a significant change in attitudes towards working at an older age among both employers and older workers. The chapters are: The challenge ahead; Working after 50; Work disincentives and barriers to employment; Removing work disincentives and increasing choice in work-retirement decisions; Changing employer attitudes and employment practices; Improving employability; Concluding remarks on policy implementation.