EU labour markets are increasingly faced with the challenges of globalisation, rapid technological progress and population ageing. The social and economic consequences of the crisis add to these challenges and call for an adaptation of existing working arrangements to facilitate labour market participation among older workers.

The ageing workforce has moved high on the EU’s social agenda and in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy needs to be considered in terms of employment, pensions and gender equality,

There is a need for new structures and approaches in society to adapt to the increasing number of older workers and to enable them to remain active on the labour market. Negative cultural attitudes and age discrimination towards older workers need to be addressed.

The implementation of legislation is important but is not enough in itself; negative cultural attitudes towards older workers need to be addressed, as does the prevailing age discrimination in the labour market and workplace.  For more information on EU non discrimination legislation, visit the European Commission webpage on your Rights and obligations.

Contact person: Rachel Buchanan  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

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