Scholarly record

THE MODEL OF INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN PENSION PROVISION AND EMPLOYMENT IN RUSSIA AND IN THE DEVELOPED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

I. Sizova, I. Grigoryeva, L. Vidiasova

Abstract

This article analyzes pension reforms conducted since the 2000s in Russia and in the so-called "Beveridge countries" (England, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland), as well as in Germany. The main ways of pension provision modernization were set in the new Russian pension scheme development strategy of 2012. Russia is aiming for international standards in this area, however it does not take into account the consequences of some of its steps. As before its goal is to decrease the level of poverty and social inequality among those who get different kinds of pension payments, as well as to shift the responsibility for pension provision to employers. As one can see from the pension reforms experience of "Beveridge countries" (England, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland) and the specific model of pension provision in Germany, absolutely opposite decisions are made in this sphere, which reflect to a great extent the situation on the labour population employment market. This article provides analysis of pension reforms implemented since 2000 in the mentioned above countries, which managed to combine the principles of solidarity and individual responsibility and thus connect old age security payments and the governmental policy on the labour market. A particular (and unique) case is represented by the German model of pension provision which differs considerably from the standard three-level system acting as a "capuchino" principle. Instead, the state is trying to offer the population different opportunities and alternatives for individual pension plans and, at the same time, to keep in governmental old age security national traditions of sustaining "life standard" after retirement. The article ends with some suggestions which will help to adjust the strategy of pension system modernisation in Russia taking into account international experience and some specific conditions and issues peculiar to the Russian labour market.

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