Dealing with an Ageing Labour Force : What Do European Employers Expect and Do?

This study examines employers' behaviours and attitudes regarding the ageing of the population and the labour market in four different countries: the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and the Netherlands. Four questions are addressed: to what extent is there a sense of urgency among employers regarding the ageing of the population and its consequences? What do employers see as the possible implications of an ageing workforce for their organisations and what organisational policies are implemented? Which policy measures are currently implemented or considered in organisations in response to labour supply shortages? And which policies do employers prefer with regard to preventing a shrinking labour force? The results show large differences between the four countries, not only with respect to the degree of ageing, but also with respect to employers' responses. Only the United Kingdom seems more or less fit to face the challenge of an ageing labour force