Social policy research on the ageing workforce from the perspective of employees and employers

This chapter presents the desired future research agenda for trade unions and employers’ organisations concerning labour market and social policies in response to ageing populations. It focuses on the multifaceted consequences of population ageing and debates on old-age pensions in which there is considerable space for the engagement of employer organisations and unions. Social partners - representing workers and employers - have not only been the subject of debates and policies, but also active actors in shaping policy responses and formulating research agendas. The research topics tackled in the chapter focus on the common interest in avoiding early ageing, lifelong learning or flexible retirement both in terms of age and partial retirement. The available evidence shows that reactions to the introduction of relevant policy instrument should be thoroughly studied. Finally, the chapter argues for the emphasis on the meta-issues of social dialogue, collective bargaining and tripartite consensus.