Working environment one important key to get Swedes to work for longer

‘Measures for a longer working life’ is a government review and the final conclusion from the pension group - which is made up of representatives of the four parties in government and the Swedish Social Democratic Party. Ingemar Eriksson, assistant under secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, has been leading the work.

The review is based on the fact that we live longer and therefore must work for longer, and suggests a flexible retirement age, a so-called ‘recommended retirement age’ which follows people’s life expectancy. The survey suggests that people should be allowed to work until they are 69, instead of today’s limit of 67. The early retirement age should be increased from 61 to 62 in 2015 and to 63 in 2019. 

Today 55 year olds can start collecting their occupational and private pensions - the review proposes to increase this to 62 years by 2017. 

The limit for guaranteed pensions, sick benefits and other benefits will be increased from 65 to 66 years by 2019. The changes will come into effect successively between 2015 and 2019.  

Working for longer will be made easier by improved work environments, measures fighting age discrimination, better conditions for skills development, improved information and tri-partite negotiations on more flexible working hours.