Corporate Japan sweetens incentives to retain workers 60 and over

Labor shortage to worsen as bubble economy hires approach retirement

20230717N Japan senior worker

With the pool of working-age people under 60 trending downward, Japan will suffer a labor shortage of 11 million workers in 2040, by one estimate. © Reuters

TAMAKI KYOZUKA and SHINO KATAYAMA, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- The Japanese business community is rolling out benefits designed to entice workers 60 and older to stay on the job longer and ease the labor crunch.

Starting April 2024, Sumitomo Chemical will gradually raise the retirement age to 65 from the current 60. This will apply to unionized employees in all occupations, including sales, manufacturing and specialist positions. Annual pay will stay at the same levels as just before they turn 60.

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