10,000 fewer employees in eight months, and 6,360 more pensioners: Even working population statistics are not encouraging

(Patria) - At the end of August 2025, the difference between the number of employees and the number of pensioners in the Federation of BiH was only 81,661 in favor of workers.

While the number of employees is falling, the number of pensioners is increasing. In just one month, the number of employees decreased by 3,097 people, and the number of pensioners increased by 690. 460,260 beneficiaries received pensions for the month of August, which required 313 million KM.

Regarding the number of employees, official statistics show that in the first eight months, there were 9,531 fewer employees than at the end of December 2024. Non-working Sundays, an increase in the minimum wage, and challenges in economic flows have caused a drop in employment. At the end of December, the number of employees was 551,452, and at the end of August, it was 541,921. In the same period, the number of pensioners increased by 6,360. At the end of December, there were 453,900 pensioners, and at the end of August, there were 460,260.

Regarding the age structure of employees, the largest number of employees are aged 36 to 55, totaling 287,123, which is more than half of all employees.

However, there are 83,528 employees aged 55 to 65 and over 65.

Experts have long warned that such a ratio of employees to pensioners is unsustainable and that the pension system as it currently exists must change.

During 2024, the Government of the Federation of BiH had to allocate an additional 512 million KM for pension payments. The largest portion of money for pension payments is collected from salary contributions.