The situation with early pensions has solutions

The number of people drawing an early pension has increased significantly; average early pensions are 76 euros higher than regular old-age pensions. From January to December 2023 the number of granted early pensions rose by almost 3,500. The numbers rose significantly from September 2023 after the launch of the first wave of pension indexation in the summer.

At the end of last year, the Social Insurance Agency was inundated with applications for early pensions. Retirement became exceptionally advantageous, since from January it is possible after just 40 years worked. The Association of Industrial Unions and Transport expects employee departures to continue this year as well, when at least 10 thousand people may take early retirement. Last year more than 17 thousand people did so, on whom employers had been counting for several more years.

At APZD they respect employees' entitlement to an early pension and the need to increase pensions, and they are also aware that the sharp rise in interest in leaving was caused by a combination of several factors. At the same time, however, they perceive that we are losing experienced workers whom we cannot replace on the labour market.

Their solutions are abolishing early pensions after 40 years worked, or at least making them a less attractive model. This can be achieved by increasing the rate at which early pensions are reduced by 1.5 percent for each month of earlier departure.

At the same time, a quick solution to the situation on the labour market is also needed, and early pensioners should be allowed to continue working by allowing them to earn more than 2400 euros per year, for example up to the level of the average wage from two years ago.

Are employees leaving for early retirement causing you problems?

Share with us the situation in your company at sekretariat@apzd.sk.