China: Strict regulatory protection for rights of people working after retirement
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Sep 2025
A new draft regulation issued by five central government departments of China proposes to further tighten the protection of the working rights of people past retirement age returning to the job market.
A news report published in https://www.chinadaily.com.cn said it is the nation’s first document focusing on people past retirement age and their working benefits.
The report said the proposed regulation encourages the employers to offer appropriate positions to individuals beyond retirement age, keeping in view their expertise, skills, and background. The employers will have to enter into written agreements with the new but senior employees outlining job responsibilities, work location, hours, breaks, holidays, compensation, social insurance, and workplace protections.
The draft stipulates that older workers in regular jobs need to be paid at least local minimum wage, prohibiting employers from assigning these workers roles that harm their physical or mental well-being.
Also, it requires employers to give the workers training and education on occupational safety to reduce or avoid accidents and harms during work, adding that the workers will enjoy job-related injury insurance. A