Ageing and the labour market: a comparison of policy approaches

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Title: Ageing and the labour market: a comparison of policy approaches
Author(s): Frerichs, Frerich; Taylor, Philip
Abstract: Both Germany and the UK are experiencing substantial ageing of their workforces and, simultaneously, their workforces are shrinking. At the same time it is important to note that older workers, particularly men, have been regarded by employers and policy makers as a reserve labour army in the past in both countries (Naegele and Walker, 2002a). Older workers have been confronted with numerous forms of direct and indirect discrimination in both the workplace and in the labour market in general. The result has been long-term unemployment and non-employment among older workers. Employment rates of older workers in both countries have declined dramatically over the past twenty years, although significant differences between the United Kingdom and Germany can be observed (Walker, 2002a). Low labour market participation rates are mainly due to early retirement schemes in Germany, which have been implemented in past decades (Naschold et aI., 1994; Ebbinghaus, 2001) and due to usage of occupational pension schemes, disability benefits as quasi-early retirement, early retirement schemes and discouragement from staying in work in the UK (Taylor and Walker, 1996; Taylor and Unwin, 1999). Although early exit pathways have been terminated or their scope limited and there is an increasing emphasis on prolonging working life, the legacy in terms of promoting negative views of older workers is persistent. [Introduction]
Publication type: Book chapter
Source: Social Policy in Ageing Societies: Britain and Germany Compared / Alan Walker and Gerhard Naegele (eds.), Chapter 3, pp. 46-81
Publication year: 2009
FOR Code(s): 150305 Human Resources Management; 160305 Population Trends and Policies; 160508 Health Policy
Keyword(s): Ageing workforce; Employment; Germany; United Kingdom; Retirement
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN: 9780230520981, 0230520987
Publisher URL: http://www.palgravemacmillan.com.au/
Peer reviewed