No service for old men? Public employment services for older workers in a comparison between Denmark and Poland

Pub. Mar 18, 2021 Published March 18, 2021

Prolonging working life is linked to the sustainability of public finances, economic growth and not the least, social cohesion. However, institutional incentives to leave the labour market early remain high. Here, we look at the effects of economic downturns on older workers’ choice to leave the labour market and we compare the effects of two pre-retirement schemes in Denmark and Poland. An analysis of public
employment services for persons who wish to work beyond official retirement age in these two countries leads to the conclusion that this age group is neglected. Our recommendation is that public employment services should be available to everyone, regardless of age and eligibility.