Number of workers 50 and older rising in Belgium

The number of 50+ workers is increasing in Belgium, according to new federal statistics cited by De Standaard.

In the first quarter of this year alone, there were about 1,276,000 workers in the 50-and-over age group, compared to 1,109,000 during the first quarter of 2011. The increase is noticeable in all regions, led by a 16% gain for Flanders followed by 12% for Wallonia and 8% for the Brussels-Capital region.

The same trend can be observed in the quarterly job index figures for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) published by Belgian human resources specialist SD Worx. The latest report showed that there were 5.8% more workers in SMEs during the second quarter than the same period last year.

There is also evidence of a greying workforce in Belgian companies, non-profit associations and the civil service. By 2020, one out of three employees is expected to be over age 50, compared to one out of four employees just four years ago.

Experts attribute the ageing workforce trend to demographics as well as pension reforms that require later retirement.

Photo courtesy westhoek.be