Demography, 6.1 million fewer workers in 10 years

Six million fewer workers within ten years, with the risk of not being able to replace them. This is the picture presented by Natale Forlani, president of Inapp, the National Institute for Public Policy Analysis, during the hearing before the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the economic and social effects of demographic transition. An 'unprecedented transition in Italy,' he warned, 'which requires immediate action.

The working-age population, which today consists mostly of people over 45 (54.9 per cent of the employed), 'will change radically'. By 2060, it will fall by 34%, leading to 'inevitable consequences for economic growth, welfare and the sustainability of public spending'.

In Italy, in fact, pensions represent the most expensive item of GDP, 15.3%. And, according to estimates, it will rise to 17% in fifteen years.

Pension costs are the first point to start from according to Forlani. On the one hand restricting early retirement schemes, on the other progressively raising the retirement age. The institute refers to 'third and fourth generation policies for voluntarily prolonging work'. These include continuous training, age management, security and flexibility.

The other intervention concerns the inactive, people who do not study, do not work and do not seek employment. They are 33.2 per cent of the labour force in Italy. Among them, there are almost 8 million women, 1.2 million of whom are available for work. "Discouragement factors must be reduced" according to Inapp. From family care reasons, indicated by 80% of the inactive, to the demand for a job and a salary 'in line with one's skills'.