Ageing and employment policies = Vieillissement et politiques de l’emploi: USA

In 2001, the OECD launched a review of policies to improve labour market prospects for older workers. The aim of this review is to examine both supply-side and demand-side aspects of this topic. Older workers have been defined as those aged 50 years and over. The review argues that many policy measures and workplace practices create significant barriers to older workers continuing to work and that current reforms will not be sufficient to encourage later retirement and to lessen the risk of future labour shortages. As a result of rapid population ageing in the US, there is the potential for slower economic growth, serious labour shortages and rising tax rates over the next few decades. The review surveys the main barriers to employment for older workers, assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to address these issues, and proposes policy recommendations for further action by government and social partners. The review concludes that the US is in a better position to cope with population ageing than most other OECD countries, but this position could be strengthened by encouraging higher labour force participation among its older population and reversing the long-term trend to earlier retirement. To do so will need action on both the supply-side and demand-side. Show less