Nearly half of workers cannot continue working until retirement age. If the retirement age is raised to 70, two-thirds fear they will retire earlier. But quitting work earlier is financially unfeasible for most.
This is evident from a survey by the CNV trade union among 2,700 members aged 45 and older. Of the respondents, 57 percent indicate that they have a difficult profession. Quitting earlier is not possible for more than six in ten workers, because their income will then suffer too much. “Many of the respondents started working before the age of twenty. They are simply burned out. It is completely unacceptable for the CNV that in a rich country like the Netherlands so many people have to work until they drop,” said CNV chairman Piet Fortuin.
Increase in retirement age
The increase in the retirement age is already causing problems. 45 percent of respondents in the CNV survey indicate that they are currently unable to continue working until their retirement age. And that will only get worse, Fortuin fears. The retirement age is adjusted to life expectancy. We are getting older, so the retirement age will continue to rise.
Early retirement scheme
The pension agreement concluded in 2019 includes a temporary scheme that gives people with demanding professions the opportunity to stop working earlier, the early retirement scheme (RVU). This scheme allows people to stop working three years before retirement. People then receive a benefit at AOW level. The RVU ends at the end of 2025.
“That benefit is paid by the employer. But that benefit is not enough, people also have to bring forward part of their pension,” Fortuin said. “That is too much for people with a small pension.” These people are therefore forced to continue working until retirement. “These people are being crushed by the system,” Fortuin says.
The union president points out the consequences. More and more people are becoming disabled. “The numbers of people coming to the WIA are skyrocketing. And last year it was announced that the damage caused by burnouts is already 4 billion euros per year.”
Also read: Would you like to supplement your pension later in life? ‘First start by calculating what you will need later’
Join the conversation
You can respond at the bottom of this article. Only comments with a first and last name (and that comply with the rules of conduct) will be posted. Anyone who still needs to enter their name can do so by clicking on ‘Login’ at the top right of our site.
Watch all our work and career videos here:
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.
Yes, I want free unlimited access
Tags: workers retirement age join conversation
