The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has set out a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting the rights, dignity, and economic security of older workers, urging member states to adopt policies that ensure fairness, inclusion, and opportunity at every stage of working life.
Adopted on June 23, 1980, during the organisation’s 66th session in Geneva, the Older Workers Recommendation, 1980 recognises that workers advancing in age often face unique challenges in employment and calls for targeted measures to address them.
The Recommendation builds on earlier international labour standards, noting that while existing conventions address discrimination, social security, and employment policy, they do not fully account for age-related disadvantages. It therefore seeks to strengthen protections by explicitly promoting “equality of opportunity and treatment for older workers” and improving conditions for their continued participation in the workforce.
Addressing Discrimination and Inequality
Central to the Recommendation is the call for governments to prevent discrimination based on age. It states:
“Each Member should… take measures for the prevention of discrimination in employment and occupation with regard to older workers.”
This includes ensuring equal access to employment, training, promotion, and fair remuneration. Older workers, it adds, should be afforded the same opportunities as others in both the public and private sectors, with consideration given to their skills, experience, and qualifications.
The ILO also emphasises the importance of involving employers’ and workers’ organisations in shaping and implementing these policies, reinforcing the role of social dialogue in labour governance.
Protection in the Workplace
Beyond equality, the Recommendation highlights the need to adapt working conditions to support older employees. It urges countries to identify job roles that may accelerate ageing or present difficulties and to implement solutions such as improved work environments, adjusted workloads, and flexible schedules.
Among suggested measures are reduced working hours for physically demanding jobs, gradual transitions to retirement, and increased leave entitlements. Employers are also encouraged to redesign tasks using ergonomic principles to maintain workers’ health and productivity.
Importantly, the Recommendation calls for systems of remuneration that recognise experience and expertise—not just speed—ensuring that older workers are not disadvantaged in performance-based roles.
Supporting Employment and Re-entry
The ILO underscores that older workers should not be pushed out of the labour market prematurely. Instead, efforts should be made to provide retraining, alternative job opportunities, and support for those seeking to re-enter employment after periods of absence.
In cases of workforce reductions, particularly in declining industries, special attention should be given to older workers through income protection, retraining programmes, and assistance in securing new employment.
Transition to Retirement
The Recommendation also addresses the transition from work to retirement, advocating for flexibility and choice. It encourages governments to ensure that retirement is voluntary wherever possible, with options for gradual reduction in working hours.
It further calls for income support measures, including early retirement benefits and continued assistance for unemployed older workers approaching retirement age. Programmes should also be implemented to help individuals prepare for retirement by providing information on finances, health, and post-retirement opportunities.
A Broader Policy Framework
The ILO stresses that the challenges facing older workers must be addressed within a broader strategy for full employment and social policy, ensuring that solutions do not shift disadvantages from one group to another.
It concludes by urging member states to implement these measures through legislation, collective agreements, or other mechanisms suited to national conditions, and to ensure that older workers are fully informed of their rights.
The Recommendation stands as a significant international benchmark, reinforcing that ageing should not be a barrier to dignity, opportunity, or participation in economic life.
Readers interested in the full scope of the ILO’s Older Workers Recommendation, 1980 are encouraged to review the complete document for detailed provisions and guidance.
