High and rising senior employment in the Nordic countries

Bjørn Halvorsen

doi:10.46364/ejwi.v6i2.817

Abstract

The employment of older workers is high and rising in the Nordic countries, and most seniors have flexible access to emloyment or retirement from their early sixties. There is still potential for further improvements even in the Nordic countries, however. This article describes and analyses this development and the main policies and reforms behind it. The article ends up with some preliminary impacts on senior employment from the Covid 19 pandemic this year

Highlights

Most seniors in the Nordic countries continue in gainful employment beyond the age of 55.This results in a high employment rate of older workers, compared with most other countries in Europe
The article is built on a report to the Swedish Governmental Delegation for the Promotion of Older Labour
The high and rising employment rate of older workers in the Nordic countries can to some extent be explained by the policies that have been implemented in key areas

Summary

Introduction

Most seniors in the Nordic countries continue in gainful employment beyond the age of 55. This results in a high employment rate of older workers, compared with most other countries in Europe. The employment of older workers is rising remarkably over time. The high and rising employment rate of older workers in the Nordic countries can to some extent be explained by the policies that have been implemented in key areas. There is talk of a “Nordic model” for the economy, working life, social security and welfare. When it comes to older workersemployment and retirement. High and rising employment and good working conditions for most older workers, and potential for further improvements

Summary and concluding remarks

No nd rw

Age group

Active labour market policy

Pensions and retirement reforms