Appendix D: Age specific participation rates

Date

The age–specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabilise in all age groups to 2054–55 (Chart D.1).

While total labour force participation is projected to decline as the population ages, based on recent trends, some age groups are expected to experience rising labour force participation rates.

Labour force participation rates for females in most age groups have increased significantly over the past 20 years, and are expected to continue increasing over the projection period. This is attributed to the increased levels of educational attainment among women and continued better access to childcare services and more flexible work arrangements.

For all age groups (other than those aged 15–19 years) the total participation rate for men is higher than for women. In 2013–14, around 71 per cent of men, compared to 58.6 per cent of women, participated in the labour force. This trend is projected to continue, with 68.1 per cent of men and 56.8 per cent of women in the labour force in 2054–55.

Participation rates of older age groups (aged 55+) have risen in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue as life expectancy increases and the availability of less physically demanding work rises.

Participation rates for men and women are projected to increase significantly for those aged 60–69 years. This is partly associated with the gradual increase in the Age Pension eligibility age from 65 to 70 years between 2017 and 2035.

Chart D.1 Participation rates ‑ history and projections by age group and gender

Age 15–19

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 20–24

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 25–29

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 30–34

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 35–39

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 40–44

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 45–49

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 50–54

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 55–59

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 60–64

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 65–69

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Age 70 and over

The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to increase or stabillise in all age groups to 2054-55.

Note: Dashed line is placed over 2013–14 to distinguish history from projections.

Source: ABS cat. no. 6291.0.55.001 and Treasury projections.

[View chart data]