The number of Danish people aged over 55 and starting new jobs reached a record high in 2022, according to figures from the Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment.

The agency found that 101,720 Danish over-55s started new jobs in the first 11 months of 2022, an increase of 37 per cent over the past five years.

By comparison, the number of people under the age of 55 starting new jobs increased by 17 per cent over the same period.

Commenting on the figures, Sampension head of market and customer advice, Anne-Louise Lindkvist, said: "We have a very flexible labour market, where there are generally good opportunities to find a new job.

“Therefore, job turnover is also high, which of course is not least true in periods such as 2022 when the labour market is at full speed.

“The fact that it is among the elderly that we have seen the greatest increase in the number of people getting a new job is remarkable, and it can, among other things, be an expression of the desire and opportunity for many to try something new, even if they are older."

Sampension highlighted the importance for newly employed older people to be aware of their pensions.

"There is a difference in when you can get your pension paid out, depending on when it was established,” Lindkvist noted.

“Old pension schemes can typically be started several years before a scheme that is set up today, e.g. in connection with getting a new job.

“The elderly are more likely to have pension schemes with the right to early payment, but if they are not careful when they start a new job, they risk losing these rights.”

Danish pension schemes established after 1 January 2018 can be paid out three years before state pension age.

Meanwhile, schemes established before 2018 can be paid out five years before state pension age, and schemes established before 1 May 2007 can be paid out when the member turns 60.

"Many Danes want to be able to retire early from the labour market,” said Lindkvist.

“Payments from the pension scheme can contribute to this, and this particularly applies to the old schemes.

“Therefore, the large group of newly employed older people has good reason to investigate whether they have pensions from the past with favourable payment rights, and whether, if applicable, they can move these rights with them if they have been given a new scheme in terms of their new job.”

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