The current demographic context
The demographic crisis in Italy is taking on worrying proportions, with a number of new pensions that far exceed births. According to estimates, the ratio between pension expenditure and GDP could reach 17% over the next 15 years, highlighting the need for urgent intervention in the social security system. This scenario highlights the importance of forms of supplementary pension provision, which could represent a solution to guarantee a more secure financial future for Italian workers
.
Adherence to supplementary pension
Despite the urgency of the situation, only one in four citizens between 30 and 59 years old invests in supplementary pension provision. According to a report by Moneyfarm, out of the 24.2 million Italians born between 1965 and 1994, only 26% have a pension fund. This figure is alarming, considering that the remaining 74% have no supplementary pension, often for reasons of employment or personal choices. Furthermore, among those who have joined a pension fund, almost 28% do not make active deposits, thus remaining in a situation of economic uncertainty for
the future.
The role of severance pay in retirement
Another critical aspect is the use of severance pay (severance pay) to finance supplementary pension provision. Only 22% of the severance pay accrued was paid into pension funds, while the majority remains in companies or in the INPS Treasury Fund. This behavior highlights a lack of awareness regarding the tax benefits and investment opportunities that supplementary retirement provision can offer. Andrea Rocchetti from Moneyfarm stresses the importance of starting to invest in supplementary pension as soon as possible, to take advantage of the time factor and guarantee
a peaceful future.
Gender disparity in pension provision
Another element to consider is the gender disparity in the participation in supplementary pension provision. Men between 40 and 59 years old show an adhesion rate of 33.5%, compared to 21% of women. Young women between 30 and 39 years old have the lowest membership rate, with only 17% investing in supplementary pensions. This gap is compounded by an average employment rate of 63%% for women, compared to 83%% for men, making it difficult for many women to access an adequate pension
.
Future challenges for female workers
The prospects for female workers are becoming increasingly complex, with an employment rate that decreases with age. Among women aged 55 to 64, only 48% are employed, compared to 69% of men. This leads to a difficulty in achieving the continuity of contributions necessary to access the retirement pension. In addition, the wage gap between men and women, with an average annual wage of 26,227 euros for men against 18,305 euros for women, is inevitably reflected in pension amounts, further aggravating the situation of women
in the social security system.
Conclusions and prospects
In a context of demographic crisis and growing inequality, it is essential that Italian workers understand the importance of supplementary pension provision. Investing in a pension fund is not only a personal choice, but a necessity to ensure a stable financial future. The savings industry must play an active role in informing and sensitizing citizens about the advantages of supplementary pension, so that everyone can face the future with
greater peace of mind.