On August 18, 2026, D’Andrea & Partners and PHC Advisory, in collaboration with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) Shanghai, successfully hosted the roundtable “Retirement Disputes and Risk Mitigation for Over-Age Employment: Legal & Tax Implications.” The event attracted numerous professionals from HR, legal, and finance departments, who came together to discuss the growing compliance and operational challenges companies face in managing employees who continue working beyond the normal retirement age.
Against the backdrop of China’s aging population and evolving labor market, over-age employment has become a critical issue for businesses. With the implementation of the Interim Provisions on Basic Rights Protection of Over-Age Workers effective July 1, 2026, enterprises must navigate new legal requirements concerning written agreements, overtime management, work injury insurance, and termination compensation. This seminar offered practical, dual-perspective guidance on legal compliance and financial sustainability, equipping participants with actionable insights to address real-world challenges.
Mr. Aris Xie, Partner at D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legal framework governing over-age employment. He emphasized the importance of proactively structuring employment relationships and ensuring contractual clarity to avoid disputes. Through case studies, Mr. Xie illustrated common compliance pitfalls and shared best practices for dispute prevention. He stressed that with the new regulations now in effect, companies must transition from reactive compliance to proactive risk management, ensuring that employment structures are clearly defined and thoroughly documented.
Mr. Devin Li, Deputy General Manager at PHC Advisory, addressed the tax and financial implications of employing over-age workers. His presentation highlighted how the classification of employment relationships can significantly affect both costs and compliance obligations. Mr. Li emphasized that over-age employment should be approached as a strategic financial decision rather than a mere compliance exercise, encouraging companies to align their employment structures with tax-efficient practices.
Following the presentations, an engaging discussion session took place, during which participants raised practical questions on contract drafting, work injury insurance claims, and tax reporting for over-age workers. Attendees greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange views with the speakers and their peers, sharing real-world experiences and exploring solutions to the nuanced challenges of over-age employment.
The roundtable concluded with a relaxed wine reception, providing a valuable opportunity for participants to network in an informal setting. Over refreshments, conversations continued on the day’s themes, allowing guests to deepen connections and further explore topics of mutual interest with industry peers and the speakers.
This roundtable provided participants with a comprehensive perspective on over-age employment risk management, covering both legal and financial dimensions. As China’s demographic trends and labor policies continue to evolve, staying informed about regulatory developments and adopting forward-looking compliance strategies will remain essential for businesses. D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel and PHC Advisory will continue to leverage their legal and tax expertise, offering practical guidance and decision-making support through in-depth case analyses and regulatory insights.
