Belgium: social partners reach agreement putting an end to early retirement scheme

In line with the coalition agreement of the new Belgian government, the abolition of the early retirement scheme, which entitled senior citizens to unemployment benefit as well as a supplement from the company, was formalised on 17 March. The unions and employer representatives have reached an agreement to end the scheme as of 30 June 2025. The text must now be submitted to the Council of Ministers.
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The so-called Group of Ten, a consultation body bringing together trade unions and employers’ organisations in Belgium, reached an agreement on 17 March on ending the early retirement scheme as of 30 June 2025. A plan to abolish the scheme was included in the coalition agreement of the right-wing new government. When provided for in a collective agreement, the system allowed redundant employees aged 62 and over (60 for those who had performed a strenuous job) to receive unemployment benefits an

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