[Consequences of partial closure of a corner-stone factory]

In a follow-up study including data from the social security system, we investigated the consequences of partial closure of a factory on future employment and disability pensions. The factory had encouraged employees to apply for a disability pension without informing the local doctors or the social security authorities. After a while the doctors realized what was happening and reacted strongly against being subjected to this king of pressure. Within four years, 110 of the 587 employees who had lost their jobs were receiving a disability pension. Most of them were between 50 and 65 years of age. The predominant diagnosis was lower back pain. A disability pension is granted for medical reasons only.