Unpensioned workers' plight worries BPS

The society says the prevalence of "unpensioned" workers in these industries affects the quality of life after work, driving some retirees into destitution after years of dedicated service. Yesterday, BPS chairperson Paul Masie expressed concern over the persistent high numbers of "unpensioned" workers in the tourism and mining sectors, saying it was hoped the new Employment Act would help halt the trend.

Unlike the original Employment Act, which compelled employers to pay a severance package only when a worker has worked for 60 continuous months, the amended Act says the worker should be paid a severance package proportionate to the months worked.