A survey has shown that more than 60 percent of Germans want to retire at 63 or even earlier. Labor Minister Heil, on the other hand, demands that people work longer. Employers insist on abolishing pensions at 63.

Germany’s citizens want to retire as early as possible. A representative Insa survey for “Bild am Sonntag” (1001 respondents, on December 16, 2022) showed: 62 percent want to retire at the age of 63 or even earlier. Only 8 percent would like to work until the age of 67 or beyond. Respondents are divided on the legal age limit: 44 percent find the limit of 67 years fundamentally correct. 41 percent are in favor of lowering the retirement age.

Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has meanwhile warned companies in Germany to employ older workers. In this way, companies should ensure that more people work until they reach normal retirement age and that the shortage of skilled workers is alleviated.

Heil said “Bild am Sonntag”: “The shortage of skilled workers threatens to become a brake on growth. The fact that many companies no longer hire people over 60 is an attitude that we can no longer afford.” It is important in companies to ensure age-appropriate jobs and qualifications. “This is the only way to ensure that the work can really be done before retirement,” says Heil.

However, the minister rejected raising the age limit: “It is not the statutory retirement age that has to increase, but the actual one. Experienced workers must not be sidelined.” Older workers had the important skills of experience and expertise. “In many places, this is worth more than the speed that is often required. Thorough work leads to fewer mistakes,” said Heil. The SPD politician wished that more employers would recognize this and give older people a chance on the job market.

IG Metall is positive about an increase in the actual retirement age. Board member Hans-Jürgen Urban said “Bild am Sonntag”: “Many are already broken before retirement. There will only be people over 60 in offices and workshops if the working conditions are right. Anyone who wants to make improvements here has our support.”

Employer President Rainer Dulger reiterated his call for the pension to be abolished at 63: “We have huge problems because of the shortage of skilled workers. So we can’t afford to have hundreds of thousands of people retire early with no deductions every year.”