Labour market and retirement in Italy: a multilevel policy review in an active ageing perspective

Purpose Active ageing (AA) concerns the optimisation of opportunities for health, social participation and security of people as they age. Limited research exists on understanding the multilevel governance of AA policies, including those targeting the labour market and retirement. The aim of this study is to identify and analyse national and regional AA policies focused on paid-work and the retirement transition in Italy. Design/methodology/approach A systematic policy review was conducted in 2019–2020 by means of 86 interviews and document search for 14 national governmental administrations and all 21 regional governments. A thematic analysis was carried out to review, select and compare themes from identified policies. Findings The results shown that prolonging working life and creating safety nets for socially-disadvantaged older workers remain predominant policy objectives at national level. At regional level, residual welfare programs are offered with limitations in scope, infrastructure and resources. Findings confirm the structural challenges for user needs, equity and inclusion in Italy. Research limitations/implications The policy trends after the COVID-19 pandemic have not been investigated. Practical implications The results suggest that national and regional governments need to carefully consider more harmonised, integrated, and long-term policies on labour market and retirement to meet the changing social demand. Social implications Findings highlights the structural challenges for user needs, equity and inclusion in Italy in relation to labour market and retirement policies. Originality/value This is the first study adopting a multilevel governance perspective on AA policies, which benefitted from a systematic policy review conducted in 14 national administrations (ministries, governmental departments) and all 21 regional institutions.