Number of over-65s working in private sector doubles in past decade
The number of Belgians over the age of 65 in paid employment has more than doubled in the past decade, according to data from HR company SD Worx. Despite growth of over 160 per cent, this age group remains a relatively small segment of the workforce.
SD Worx's figures show a rise from 16,900 in 2014 to 44,353 in March 2024 among over-65s in the labour market. People in this group often work in sectors such as services, hospitality and distribution. Typical roles include security guards, cleaners, taxi and truck drivers, as well as in care and nursing.
"The population is ageing, but we also see a larger share of employees aged 65 and older who continue to work, even though they have reached the statutory retirement age," says Geert Vermeir of SD Worx.
Most of these older workers are employed part-time, with only 18 per cent working full-time. Around 20,000 retirees take on interim, flexi-jobs or seasonal work to help employers manage workload peaks.
Voluntarily active
While the increase in over-65s working is notable, Vermeir says that this group remains too small to offset the outflow of retirees in the coming years. "This concerns a group of pensioners who remain active voluntarily. It will remain a small group that will never be able to compensate for the outflow of over-65s in the coming years," he says.
The broader challenge lies in encouraging more people aged 55 to 64 to remain in the workforce. "Today, only half of 55-64-year-olds are still working," Vermeir says, pointing to the need for systemic changes to keep older workers engaged.
The demographic shifts come as Belgium prepares to raise its retirement age from 65 to 66 in 2025 and 67 in 2030. While the population has grown by 5.5 per cent in the past decade, the number of people aged 65 and older has increased by 18.2 per cent.
© PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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