More people in Belgium are working flexi-jobs, sharp rise in over-65s

The flexi-job status introduced 10 years ago in Belgium has led to a rise in workers with side jobs, according to figures released by the National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ), reports Belga.

It is the over-65s in particular that have taken advantage of the measure. Their number increased by more than half in 2024 and they earn much more than their younger colleagues, the annual figures revealed.

The flexi-job system of part-time employment enables pensioners or workers with a main job of at least 4/5 time to earn extra income tax-free without social security deductions. 

It was introduced in 2015 to tackle labour shortages and it helps employers in certain sectors to recruit staff more flexibly. The system originally applied to hospitality and retail jobs, and has since expanded to other sectors, including healthcare and education.

Last year, 229,423 Belgians had flexi jobs, almost 19.1% more than in 2023. The increase is partly explained by the broadening of the system to new sectors, says the NSSO. 

In 2024,  a flexi-jobber worked an average of 219.1 hours, earning an average of €3,342.4. The median salary is €1,712. 

Although flexi-jobs are especially popular among 25- to 39-year-olds – they number almost 98,000 – the biggest increase last year was among the over-65s. They now count over 34,700, which represents an increase of more than 52.6% compared to 2023.

Pensioners worked an average of 404.9 hours in 2024, while non-retirees worked 186 hours. They earned an average of €6,426.5, compared to €2,792.7 for other groups. 

Hospitality proves to be the most popular sector. For under-50s, it accounts for 45% of flexi-jobs. Among the newer sectors, over-65s work mainly in transport and logistics – mostly as bus and car drivers – and as funeral directors. 

Women are slightly more likely than men (52.30%) to take on flexi-jobs. This trend is observed in all age groups, except among the over-65s, where men are in the majority.

At the moment, flexi-working remains a primarily Flemish phenomenon with 85% of all flexi-jobbers from the region. However, Brussels and Wallonia recorded an increase of around 27.7% and 43.9% respectively in 2024.

Photo: ©Federal Public Service/Peter Samyn