Commentary: Global Economy and Early Retirement versus Working Longer

Philip Taylor, professor of employment policy at Swinburne University of Technology, offers up thoughts on why Australia has been increasing its employment of older workers, while at the same time companies in other parts of the world are continuing to offer incentives for early retirment. Thus, he contrasts positive signs that suggest that Australian business has woken up to the potential of older worker, with indications from other countries that raises the question whether "much of industry, wishing to remain globally competitive, will dare employ ageing workforces."

He concludes that a "cautious view would be that global competition will continue to reshape the contours of older workers' employment in uncertain ways. There will be some winners, but there are likely to be many losers. An adequate policy response will to encourage economic activity while recognising the need for a dignified exit."

Source: The Age "Job prospects on rise for older workers" (May 25, 2007)