Reformation is a theme often addressed when it comes to old age and preparing the future. However, there are several doubts related to the obligation to reform and if those who have already reached the legal age to do so can continue to work. We will clarify some important points on this subject, especially important for those near the age of reform.
Reform by old age: mandatory or optional?
Many people believe that when they reach the legal age of reform, they are required to stop working and ask for their pension. However, this is not true. The Authority for Labor Conditions (ACT) clarifies that, when reaching the legal age to reform, the worker is not required to request the reform and may continue to work normally. The employment contract is not automatically extinguished with the arrival of age for the reform.
According to ACT, “there is no imposition of termination of the contract only because the age of reform has been achieved.” That is, a worker may continue to perform his duties if both parties – worker and employer – are in agreement. Reform is thus a personal choice and not a mandatory imposition by the law.
What happens when the worker does not ask for reform?
In case the worker does not request the reform when reaching the legal age, his employment contract is not extinguished, but undergoes a modification. The ACT specifies that, upon reaching 70 years, if the worker does not choose to request the reform, the employment contract is considered as “resolving term”, ie a contract with a period of six months.
This type of contract has a fixed deadline, but does not prevent the worker from continuing to work during this period if both parties wish. This period of six months essentially serves to allow greater flexibility for both the worker and the employer if the employment relationship is interrupted or adjusted according to their needs.
Can retired can continue to work?
One of the most frequent issues that arises when we reach the age of reform is whether, after renovated, we can continue to work. The answer is yes. The old -aged worker may continue to work if there is the interest of both parties, that is, both the worker and the employer must be in agreement for the employment contract to continue in force.
According to ACT, “worker reform by old age does not necessarily imply the expiration of the employment contract”. This means that reform can be seen only as a change in your situation, not being a obligation that end your professional activity. There are many cases where reformed workers continue to perform their duties, adjusting working conditions to the new phases of their lives if they wish.
The importance of flexibility in the labor market
This point of flexibility in the labor market is especially important for workers who, even in the reform, are still able to actively contribute to their profession or sector. With increasing longevity and the highest quality of life, many workers over 65 prefer to continue their activity, either for financial reasons or for simple taste and need to stay busy.
In this context, the legislation allows workers, even after reform, can remain integrated into the labor market, which benefits both companies and workers themselves. Society has evolved to recognize that aging does not necessarily mean loss of work capacity. On the contrary, many senior workers bring with them vast experience and valuable knowledge.
What does the law on the reform age say?
In Portugal, the legal reform age is set in 66 years and 7 months, with the possibility of anticipating the reform, but with penalty in the amount of the pension. However, the law also allows, even after this age, workers may continue to work without this being required to stop professional activity. This means that reform is not seen as the end of its career, but as a new stage of life.
The possibility of continuing to work after reaching the age of reform was introduced to ensure that workers can remain active and economically independent, while preserving their physical and psychological well-being. With increasing life expectancy and change in working conditions, this flexibility is seen as an important advance for society.
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Advantages and disadvantages of continuing to work after the reform
One of the great advantages of continuing to work after the renovation is the possibility of maintaining a source of income, especially important for those who do not have enough pension to cover all their expenses. In addition, staying active at work can contribute to mental and physical health, helping to avoid social isolation and promote healthier aging.
On the other hand, according to, there are also challenges to consider, such as the fact that the worker has to deal with the demands of the labor market, which may be demanding, or even adapting to new technologies and changes in work dynamics. In addition, physical tiredness can begin to feel, which makes it important to evaluate the conditions in which the worker feels comfortable to continue to practice his profession.
THE FUTURE OF REFORM IN PORTUGAL
The reform has been a theme in constant debate in Portugal, especially with the increase in life expectancy and the need to adapt the system to the new realities of society. It is possible that in the future, the age of the reform is revised and the working conditions for the retired to become even more flexible.
However, the most important thing is that the worker feels free to make the decisions that best fit his needs and well-being, without being pressured to leave the job market. The current reform model seems to be evolving into greater flexibility, adapting to the new social and economic realities of the country.
Conclusion
The reform is not mandatory and anyone who reaches the legal reform age can continue to work as long as there is an agreement between worker and employer. The flexibility of the labor market has been adjusted so that workers can make their own decisions regarding the end of their career. The retirement is a personal choice, and the important thing is to ensure that the worker feels good, whether in reform or staying active professionally.
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