Age can work: the case for older Australians staying in the workforce: a report to the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Business Council of Australia

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) predicts that by 2021, over 20% of the country's population will be over 65 years old. The Federal Government's 'Intergenerational report' (indexed at TD/TNC 69.85), released as part of the 2002-03 Budget, highlights the need for policies designed to increase labour force participation by older workers. Australia is not unique in this regard. Finland, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, UK and USA have all introduced a range of policies to address this issue. This report examines trends in labour force participation and the range of public policy responses in these countries as well as in Australia. While views among the countries differ, the report highlights some common themes: the recognition that while age discrimination legislation is important, it alone is not sufficient to prevent discrimination towards older workers; the need for retirement income policies that encourage ongoing participation in the labour market; the need for a substantial shift in attitudes about the benefits older workers bring to the workforce; the need for policies to be integrated across all levels of government. The contents are: Executive summary; Introduction; Labour force participation trends; Trends and policy developments in Australia; Overseas experience; Concluding comments; References. Show less