Unemployment among women over 60 rises more than 42% in Carinthia

Unemployment among women over 60 in Carinthia rose by more than 42% compared with October last year, public broadcaster ORF reported, citing figures from the region’s Public Employment Service (AMS). The agency said the gradual increase in the retirement age and a weakening economy were contributing factors.

Many women over 60 are now unemployed despite having reached retirement age under the previous rules. The statutory retirement age is being raised gradually, with age 65 set to become the standard by 2033, AMS Carinthia managing director Peter Wedenig said.

Women in retail and office jobs are particularly affected. In retail, the growth of online shopping is one factor, while the weak economy is adding pressure as jobs disappear in occupations traditionally held by women.

People who lose their jobs at around 60 may now have a longer wait before they can retire and therefore need to find work again, Wedenig said. Finding a job can be especially difficult when only a few months remain before retirement, he added, as employers may be reluctant to train someone who will stay only briefly.

Wedenig rejected the suggestion that businesses were deliberately laying off older workers. He said companies continued to seek skilled staff and were trying to retain existing employees. The AMS expects challenges for older jobseekers to grow, while employers may also have to adapt as fewer young workers enter the labour market.