Early pensions have grown over the government's head, Labour Minister Tomáš keeps the planned changes secret

The number of people receiving an early pension has increased significantly; average early pensions are 76 euros higher than regular old-age pensions. The Labour Minister plans to restrict early pensions, which could affect state spending. Employees retiring early cause problems in industry and transport, where experienced workers are hard to replace.

At the end of last year, the Social Insurance Agency was inundated with applications for early pensions. Retirement became exceptionally advantageous, since from January it is possible after just 40 years worked. The Association of Industrial Unions and Transport expects employee departures to continue this year as well, when at least 10 thousand people may take early retirement. Last year more than 17 thousand did so, on whom, according to the association's Secretary General Andrej Lasz, employers had been counting for several more years.