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The Effect of Plant Downsizing on Disability Pension Utilization

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  • Mari Rege
  • Kjetil Telle
  • Mark Votruba

Abstract

We investigate the impact of plant downsizing on disability pension utilization in Norway. Plant downsizing substantially increases the disability entry rate of workers in affected plants. Workers originally employed in plants that downsized by more than 60% between 1995 and 2000 were 24% more likely to utilize disability pensions in 2001 than comparable workers in non-downsized plants. We also estimate significant effects of downsizing on future earnings and mortality, which suggest that the increase in disability participation could be driven by an adverse effect of downsizing on the economic opportunities or the health of affected workers. (JEL: H55, I12, I38, J63, J65) (c) 2009 by the European Economic Association.

Suggested Citation

  • Mari Rege & Kjetil Telle & Mark Votruba, 2009. "The Effect of Plant Downsizing on Disability Pension Utilization," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 7(4), pages 754-785, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:jeurec:v:7:y:2009:i:4:p:754-785
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • J65 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment Insurance; Severance Pay; Plant Closings

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