Elderly craftsmen comprise more than 12% of the self-employed artisans in Saxony-Anhalt
In the south of Saxony-Anhalt, a substantial number of artisans in the business sector have surpassed retirement age. According to data, one in eight business owners in the region, amounting to 1,750 individuals, are aged 65 or older. This trend is particularly prevalent in the automotive industry and the section of crafts catering to commercial demand, such as metal construction.
Thomas Keindorf, President of the Halle Chamber of Crafts, underscores the reality that these elderly entrepreneurs often continue to play a crucial role in their businesses even beyond their retirement years. The ongoing labor shortage makes it challenging for them to pass on their businesses as planned, with a noticeable deficiency in master craftsmen eager to step into self-employment.
A significant portion of these business owners perceive their ventures as a lifelong pursuit and derive satisfaction from their craft. Keindorf, in his capacity as Chamber President, advocates for immediate government attention on pension provisions for self-employed individuals.
When considering the broader context, pension provisions for self-employed craftsmen in Germany have emerged as a pressing concern, especially in light of the issue of succession due to an aging workforce. Some self-employed craftsmen fall under compulsory pension insurance, contributing to a basic level of pension security.
Other options for those not under compulsory insurance include voluntary pension schemes, like the Rürup pension scheme and other private pension plans designed to provide additional retirement security. In some cases, professionals like artists and journalists might be eligible for the KSK scheme, which includes contributions to pension, health, and long-term care insurance.
Initiatives also strive to raise awareness among self-employed individuals about the importance of planning for retirement and the available options, while supporting organizations and local governments offer guidance on succession planning. Mentorship programs, financial incentives for succession, and training and development programs for younger skilled workers aim to create a skilled workforce for future generations and facilitate smooth business transitions.
However, more targeted policies tailored to the craft sector may be necessary to effectively address the issue of an aging workforce. Keindorf's appeal for government intervention underscores the urgency of finding solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability and succession of craft businesses.
- In the context of Germany, pension provisions for self-employed individuals, such as craftsmen, in sectors like the artisanal industry and small-business, are receiving increased attention due to the aging workforce trend.
- Entrepreneurs in the southern Saxony-Anhalt region, despite being of retirement age, are still actively contributing to their businesses, particularly in manufacturing sectors like metal construction and the automotive industry.
- With a shortage of master craftsmen willing to take on self-employment, finance options like voluntary pension schemes (Rürup pension scheme, private pension plans) and specialized schemes (KSK scheme for professionals like artists and journalists) are being explored to secure the retirement of these entrepreneurs.
- To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of small-business and crafts in industries like manufacturing, there is a growing need for targeted policies and initiatives aimed at facilitating business succession, such as mentorship programs, financial incentives, and training for younger skilled workers.
