Older people in employment – systemic factors in choosing to work for longer

Key points

The EESC:

• shares the view of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union that the professional activation of older people has become one of the key challenges for public policy. Since the average healthy life expectancy is increasing in the EU, the professional activity of older people has the potential to positively influence not only the economic development, but also their well-being through better financial, social and health conditions, as well as intergenerational solidarity in society;

• notes that the 15th principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the right to a pension commensurate to their contributions and ensuring an adequate income to a dignified life in old age) should be fully implemented;

• points out that the creation of quality jobs with a working environment that encourages all age groups to enter and stay on the labour market is an important aspect.

• notes that another factor in increasing the employment of older people is the creation of multi-generational work teams and repeats its request to the European Commission to adopt a recommendation calling on the Member States to ensure the presence of workers from different generations and their cooperation in the workplace;

• points out that instruments that support the employment of older people include: (a) creating an enabling working environment that encourages seniors to stay longer on the labour market where they wish to do so, (b) maintaining and increasing qualifications through lifelong learning policies, (c) measures which allow the combination of work and care responsibilities for elderly relatives (d) promoting longer working lives, and (e) combatting age related discrimination and other factors that prevent older workers from remaining in the labour market. Social economy entities, civil society organisations and social partners have a key role to play in all of these areas;

• suggests that the European Commission, in cooperation with the EESC, social partners and other civil society organisations, creates a forum for the exchange of good practices between Member States and thereafter, taking into account the results of the forum’s discussions, a "toolbox" of best practices may be published by the European Commission.