Dutch workers more likely to stay on after state retirement age

The number of Dutch workers who stay in work beyond the statutory retirement age has increased by more 50% in eight years, according to latest figures from the statistics agency CBS.

In the second quarter of this year 152,000 people in work were over the age of 67, representing 1.7% of the working population.

In the first quarter of 2018 1.2% of workers were beyond the retirement age, which was then 66, equivalent to 96,000 people.

Men are more likely than women to keep going to work after drawing their pension, the figures show. In June 2.3% of men over 67 were working, compared to 1.1% of women.

The figures also revealed large differences between sectors, with 4.3% of people working in real estate after their 67th birthday compared to 0.6% of civil servants.

A study by the demographic institute NIDI in 2023 found that most people who kept working in retirement did so because they enjoyed their job or to feel useful. Just 10% said the need to earn money was a significant factor.

The Netherlands has the latest retirement age in the European Union, along with Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Greece. The state pension age is due to increase to 67 years and three months in 2028.