Live Longer, Work Longer: The Changing Nature of the Labour Market for Older Workers in OECD Countries

31 Pages Posted: 14 May 2018

See all articles by John P. Martin

John P. Martin

Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) - Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS); IZA Institute of Labor Economics; Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)

Abstract

Population ageing poses stark dilemmas for labour markets, social protection systems and cultural norms. It will put strong downward pressure on labour supply, leading to falling real incomes and huge financial pressures on social protection systems unless there is an offsetting increase in employment rates. This is especially true for older workers whose employment rates are well below those of prime-age adults. In this paper, I examine how the labour market for older workers has evolved in OECD countries since 1990, what are the main forces at work, what are the main obstacles to working longer and how might public policies help overcome them. I also speculate about the future for older workers faced with the challenges and opportunities posed by the gig economy.

Keywords: population ageing, older workers, retention and hiring rates, ageism, seniority pay, gig economy

JEL Classification: J08, J18, J21, J23

Suggested Citation

Martin, John P., Live Longer, Work Longer: The Changing Nature of the Labour Market for Older Workers in OECD Countries. IZA Discussion Paper No. 11510, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3177386 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3177386

John P. Martin (Contact Author)

Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) - Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS) ( email )

2 rue Andre Pascal
Paris Cedex 16, 75775
France

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) ( email )

rue saint guillaume
Paris
France

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