ITALY- The average retirement age is Italy is becoming younger according to the government’s “national pension strategy” report to be presented in European parliament next week. In the private sector, the average age of retirement for workers fell from 57 years of age in 2000 to 56.3 in 2001.

Italian women are increasing their working life. In 2001 the average age of retirement of women was 60.4 years of age, compared to 58.9 years in 2000. On the other hand, the age of retirement is becoming younger. In 2001, the average age was 59.1, having fallen from 59.5 in 2000.

Contradictory to the figures, it was discovered that tradesmen are retiring slightly later. In 2001 the average age of retirement was 59.4 compared to 59.3 in 2000.

In its report, the Italian government says that its primary objective in the nation’s pension strategy will be to increase the age of retirement. Experts commissioned by the Ministry of Welfare have already suggested an increase of five years by 2010. Although the pension report also states that the government will consider ulterior reformatory measures.

A further suggestion made to the government would be to reintroduce a mechanism to give a proper indication of pension savings.