On the afternoon of September 13, the General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress held a press conference on the reform of delaying the statutory retirement age.
The Delayed Retirement Program is designed with four features
Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that the postponement of the statutory retirement age should be based on the actual development of the mainland, give full consideration to social concerns, reflect the principle of voluntariness and flexibility, and adopt a gradual approach. It has the following characteristics in the scheme design:
The first is to insist on small step adjustments and gradually put them in place. From 2025, it will take 15 years to gradually adjust the statutory retirement age for male employees to 63 years old, and the statutory retirement age for female employees to 58 years old and 55 years old respectively, and it will take a longer time to implement it in place.
The second is to adhere to flexible implementation and voluntary choice. Fully respect the wishes of employees, and under certain conditions, they can choose flexible early or flexible postponement of retirement, up to 3 years, and not lower than the original statutory retirement age.
The third is to adhere to the classification and orderly connection. The statutory retirement age for male and female employees will be launched simultaneously and differentially postponed, which will be in line with the current retirement age policy.
Fourth, adhere to overall planning and coordination. Encourage and support workers in employment and entrepreneurship, protect the basic rights and interests of all types of workers, and improve the old-age care service system.
Wang Xiaoping said that the gradual postponement of the statutory retirement age is closely related to the people. We will conscientiously implement the requirements of the decision, build consensus extensively, carefully organize and implement, and advance in a steady and orderly manner.
A responsible person of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) gave a briefing on the deliberations of the draft decision on the implementation of the gradual postponement of the statutory retirement age
Daniel Zhang, vice chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said at a special news conference at the 11 th meeting of the 14 th NPC Standing Committee on 13 August that the party Central Committee attaches great importance to the work of delaying the statutory retirement age and stresses the need to implement the postponement of the statutory retirement age in a steady and orderly manner. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee (CPC) put forward clear requirements for promoting the reform of gradually delaying the statutory retirement age.
Daniel Zhang said: In early August, the State Council submitted to the NPC Standing Committee a motion on the "Decision on Implementing the Progressive Postponement of the Statutory Retirement Age (Draft)" and submitted it to the NPC Standing Committee for deliberation.
Daniel Zhang said: In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Legislation Law, the NPC Standing Committee has conscientiously exercised its legislative functions and powers and performed its statutory duties. On August 27, the 29th meeting of the chairmanship of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress decided to include the above bill in the draft agenda of the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. On the morning of September 10, the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress held its first plenary meeting. At the meeting, Wang Xiaoping, Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, was entrusted by the State Council to explain the draft decision. On the afternoon of 10 September, the Standing Committee held group deliberations on the draft decision. It is generally believed that in order to thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, ensure that major reforms are based on the law, and ensure the steady and orderly implementation of the gradual postponement of the statutory retirement age, it is necessary for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to make relevant decisions; It is feasible for the draft decision to adhere to the people-centered approach, adhere to the combination of unified norms and appropriate voluntary flexibility, take into account various factors as a whole, conform to the basic national conditions of the mainland, and are generally in favor of submitting it to the Standing Committee for adoption at this session. At the same time, some members of the Standing Committee and those attending as observers also put forward some opinions and suggestions on clarifying the basis of the Constitution, clarifying the effect of the law, doing a good job of linking up systems, formulating supporting regulations, and strengthening publicity and guidance. In the evening, the Constitution and Law Committee held a meeting to study the deliberation opinions of the members of the Standing Committee and those attending the meeting one by one, deliberated the draft decision in a unified manner, and submitted a report on the results of the deliberation of the draft decision and a revised draft of the draft decision. Responsible comrades of relevant departments attended the meeting as observers. On 11 September, the Council of Chairpersons heard a report by the Constitution and Law Committee. On September 12, the Standing Committee's group meeting deliberated on the report on the outcome of the deliberations and the revised draft decision. On the morning of September 13, the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress voted and passed the "Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the Implementation of the Progressive Extension of the Statutory Retirement Age".
The gradual postponement of the statutory retirement age has three main tasks
Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that the measures adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress have clarified the main tasks of gradually delaying the statutory retirement age, including the following aspects:
The first is to gradually postpone the statutory retirement age. From January 1, 2025, the statutory retirement age for male employees who were originally 60 years old will be postponed by one month every 4 months, and gradually extended to 63 years old; For female employees whose original statutory retirement age was 55 years old, the statutory retirement age will be postponed by one month every four months, and gradually extended to 58 years old; For female employees whose original statutory retirement age was 50 years old, the statutory retirement age will be postponed by one month every two months, and gradually extended to 55 years old.
The second is to gradually increase the minimum payment period. From January 1, 2030, it will take 10 years to gradually increase the minimum payment period for employees to receive a basic pension on a monthly basis from the current 15 years to 20 years, with an increase of 6 months per year.
The third is to implement a flexible retirement system. Employees who have reached the minimum payment period for pension can voluntarily choose flexible early retirement, with an advance period of up to 3 years, and the retirement age shall not be lower than the original statutory retirement age of 60 years old for male employees and 55 years old and 50 years old for female employees. If an employee reaches the statutory retirement age and the employer and the employee reach an agreement through consultation, he or she may flexibly postpone his or her retirement for a period of no more than 3 years.
Wang Xiaoping said that the measures also make policy arrangements for improving the incentive mechanism of old-age insurance, promoting employment, strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of groups such as workers who exceed the statutory retirement age, flexible employment and new forms of employment, early retirement of workers in special types of work and high-altitude areas, and improving the old-age care service system.
There are three main considerations for adjusting the statutory retirement age
Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that over the past 70 years, major changes have taken place in the economic, social and demographic structure of the mainland, and the needs of workers have become increasingly diversified, and the statutory retirement age needs to be adjusted. There are a few main considerations:
First, it will help promote the development and utilization of human resources. The average life expectancy in mainland China has increased from about 40 years in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China to 78.6 years at present. At the same time, the average number of years of education for the new labor force has increased from 8 years in the early days of reform and opening up to 14 years at present, and the starting age for joining the workforce has generally shifted backwards. Delaying the statutory retirement age can better release human resource dividends.
Second, it will help increase the effective supply of labor. In 2023, there will be 297 million people over the age of 60 in mainland China, accounting for 21.1% of the total population; There are more than 217 million people over the age of 65, accounting for 15.4%, and the aging trend is obvious. At the same time, the number of working-age population in mainland China has continued to decline since 2012, with an average annual decrease of more than 3 million, and the proportion of working-age population in the total population will further decrease in the future. Postponing the statutory retirement age can slow down the decline of the working-age population and maintain the momentum and vitality of economic and social development.
Third, it will help to meet the diversified needs of workers' working and living arrangements. With the continuous improvement of living standards and working conditions, workers have different demands for the early and late retirement time, hoping to have some flexibility and more choices, and the current retirement age policy needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Adjusting the statutory retirement age is a gradual process
Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that from 2025 to 2039, it will take 15 years to adjust the statutory retirement age to 63 years old for male employees and 58 or 55 years old for female employees, which is a gradual process.
Wang Xiaoping said that specifically, from January 1, 2025, male employees and female employees whose original statutory retirement age was 55 years old will be extended by one month every four months. The original statutory retirement age of 50 years old for female employees will be extended by one month every two months. Taking male employees as an example, if they reach the age of 60 from January to April next year, the retirement age will be 60 years and 1 month; For those who will reach the age of 60 between May and August next year, the retirement age will be 60 years and 2 months, and so on. On the whole, in this way, the progress is smaller, and the rhythm is gentle.
Wang Xiaoping said that everyone is very concerned about their specific retirement age after the reform. To this end, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deliberated and passed the measures, has listed the postponement of the statutory retirement age comparison table, in the Chinese government network, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security website and official account, the national social security public service platform, electronic social security card and other platforms, the simultaneous launch of the retirement age inquiry applet, 12333 consultation telephone will also provide corresponding consulting services. You can inquire and learn through these channels.
It can be played forward or backward for up to 3 years
Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that adhering to voluntariness and flexibility is an important principle of this reform. In the process of soliciting opinions, everyone generally reflected that they hope to appropriately increase the choice of retirement time in order to better plan their future work and life. The Measures actively respond to social concerns by stipulating that employees can voluntarily choose flexible early retirement for a maximum of 3 years; If an employee reaches the statutory retirement age and the employer and the employee reach an agreement through consultation, he or she may flexibly postpone his or her retirement for a maximum of 3 years.
Wang Xiaoping said that there are several points that need to be explained: First, when employees handle flexible early retirement, they should reach the minimum payment period for pensions. Second, the age of flexible early retirement of employees cannot be lower than the original statutory retirement age, that is, male employees cannot be less than 60 years old, and female employees cannot be less than 55 years old or 50 years old. Third, in the implementation of the flexible retirement system, employees shall not be forced to choose a retirement age against their wishes.
Wang Xiaoping said that after the implementation of the postponement of the statutory retirement age, the retirement age of employees has been expanded from the original rigid node to a flexible range, increasing the space for free choice.
The minimum contribution period for receiving a pension has been gradually increased from 15 years to 20 years, highlighting two policies
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that with the delay of the statutory retirement age, the minimum payment period for receiving a monthly pension has also been adjusted accordingly, gradually increasing from the current 15 years to 20 years. Taking into account all aspects of the situation, the measures highlight the following two aspects of policy:
The first is to establish a five-year buffer period. The increase in the minimum payment period will be implemented from 2030. In other words, the minimum contribution period for employees who retire between 2025 and 2029 is still 15 years. The main consideration is that some employees who have paid contributions for about 15 years are already close to retirement, and the establishment of a five-year grace period can reduce the impact on them.
The second is to take a gradual approach. For employees who retire after 2030, the minimum contribution period will not be raised to 20 years all at once, but will be adjusted in small steps, increasing by 6 months per year. In this way, it is convenient for employees who have not yet reached the minimum payment period to make insurance arrangements in advance.
Li Zhong said that the pension level of retirees is linked to the payment period and the level of payment, and is closely related to the retirement age, that is, the long-term payment is more, the payment is more, and the late retirement is more, which can provide better protection for the life after retirement.
"The impact of the reforms on youth employment has been flat overall"
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that in the process of soliciting opinions on the plan to delay the statutory retirement age, the issue of youth employment has attracted attention from all sides. On the whole, the postponement of the statutory retirement age is a gradual process, which is carried out in a small increment, and there are certain structural differences between the jobs vacated by retirees and the jobs needed for youth employment, and the impact of the reform on youth employment is generally flat.
Li Zhong said that the measures deliberated and approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) this time make overall plans to postpone the statutory retirement age and promote youth employment, stipulate that the state implements the employment priority strategy, promotes high-quality and full employment, clearly improves the employment public service system, improves the lifelong vocational skills training system, and supports young people in employment and entrepreneurship. We will strengthen the employment-first policy, continue to expand youth employment channels, and continue to promote the effective improvement of the quality of employment and the reasonable growth of quantity.
Strengthen employment promotion and protection of rights and interests for older workers who have not reached the statutory retirement age
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that for older workers who have not reached the statutory retirement age, employment promotion and protection of rights and interests will be strengthened. The measures stipulate that the development of jobs for older workers will be strengthened, the employment assistance system for persons in difficulty will be improved, the prevention and governance of age discrimination in employment will be strengthened, and employers will be encouraged to absorb more older workers for employment.
For the first time, the mainland has put forward legal requirements for the protection of the basic rights and interests of overage workers
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that for workers who have exceeded the statutory retirement age, for the first time, there are requirements for the protection of their basic rights and interests from the legal level. The Measures stipulate that when an employer recruits a worker who has exceeded the statutory retirement age, it shall ensure that the workers receive basic rights and interests such as labor remuneration, rest and vacation, labor safety and health, and work-related injury protection. This fills a gap in the current labor laws and regulations.
Strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of workers in flexible employment and new forms of employment
Li Zhong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that the requirements for the protection of rights and interests of workers in flexible employment and new forms of employment should be strengthened. The measures stipulate that the state shall strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of workers in flexible employment and new forms of employment. We will continue to promote the implementation of policies and measures to safeguard the rights and interests of workers in flexible employment and new forms of employment, actively promote relevant guidelines and guidelines, strengthen employment guidance, and smooth rights protection services.
Clarify the relevant policies of unemployment insurance and pension insurance for the elderly unemployed
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that for the elderly unemployed, the relevant policies of unemployment insurance and pension insurance should be clarified. The measures stipulate that for those who receive unemployment insurance money and are less than one year away from the statutory retirement age, the number of years of receiving unemployment insurance money will be extended to the statutory retirement age, and the unemployment insurance fund shall pay pension insurance premiums for them in accordance with the regulations during the implementation of the gradual postponement of the statutory retirement age.
Special protection is given to workers in special types of work and workers working in high-altitude areas
Li Zhong, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that special protection will be given to workers in special types of work and workers working in high-altitude areas. The measures stipulate that employees who are engaged in special types of work prescribed by the state, such as underground, high-altitude, high-temperature, and particularly heavy physical labor, as well as those who work in high-altitude areas, may apply for early retirement if they meet the requirements.
Prevent occupational diseases and occupational health risks for older workers
Yu Xuejun, deputy director of the National Health Commission, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that in the next step, the National Health Commission will take the health protection of workers, especially older workers, as an important task in the construction of a healthy China, do a good job in occupational health monitoring, analyze and grasp the health status of workers, and prevent occupational diseases and occupational health risks of older workers. According to the health needs of older workers, the medical and health service system is constantly improved. It is necessary to further intensify the popularization of science and technology, improve the ability to prevent and treat occupational diseases, and improve the level of occupational health protection. At the same time, we will promote the implementation of the regulatory responsibilities of local and relevant departments, urge employers to implement their main responsibilities in accordance with the law, and effectively protect the health rights and interests of workers, including older workers.
Ministry of Civil Affairs: Accelerate the improvement of the pension service network
Tang Chengpei, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said at a special press conference at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on the 13th that he would accelerate the improvement of the pension service network, build an inclusive and accessible, urban and rural, and sustainable development of the pension service system, and promote the joint efforts of a promising government, an effective market, a caring society, and a loving family to promote the realization of basic pension services for all the elderly.
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Source: Xinhua News Agency Weibo First instance: Hu Xin Second instance: Zheng Tianjun Third trial: Chen Anbang