The EPF payroll data released by the government monthly indicates that the overall number of new EPF subscribers in 2021-22 is still lower than 2018-19. However, females in the age-group of 18-25 bucked this trend. In the previous story, we analysed broader trends in EPF membership. Trends indicate a proportionally higher increase in the number of re-joinees compared to new subscriptions. The Provisional monthly estimates of Payroll reports also provide an age-wise breakup of the EPF subscribers. This story provides a deeper understanding of the EPF membership trends age-group-wise. Despite an increase, the New EPF subscribers in 2021-22 less than pre-pandemic figures across most age-groups. In the previous story, we highlighted that there is an increase in the number of new subscribers to EPF during 2021-22 compared to the pandemic hit 2020-21. However, despite this increase, the number of new EPF subscribers is lower than the figures prior to the pandemic. Age-group-wise figures also reflect the same trend. Across most age groups, there is an increase in the number of new EPF subscribers in 2021-22, but the annual numbers are still less than pre-2020 figures. However, the proportion of growth varies across age groups except for the 18-25 years age group. There is a higher increase in the new subscribers in the age groups between 18-28 years compared to those more than 28 years. This is understandable since the 18-28 age group could be first-time job seekers while most in the more than 28 age group may be changing jobs. Higher increase of Re-joinees among the age groups between 26-35 The overall trend among the exited members is that there is an increase during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. This is reflected across all age groups. In comparison, the proportionate increase in the number of exited members is higher within the age groups of 26-28 and 29-35 years. It ought to be noted that the growth of new subscribers is lower in these two age groups, compared to the younger age groups. This indicates a higher proportion of left employment among the middle-aged groups (26-35) compared to the younger age groups, in 2021-22. This either could be due to the loss of a job or a change in job. The data on re-joinees provides a more holistic picture. In the previous story, we highlighted that there is a higher proportionate increase in the number of re-joinees compared to the number of new subscribers. The ratio is higher in 2021-22 compared to earlier years. Most of the age groups have contributed to this expansive increase in the number of re-joinees to EPF. However, it is more evident among the comparatively older age groups. Across the age groups between 26-35 years, the growth of re-joinees in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21 was 58%. Compared to the pre-pandemic years, the increase is 80% among the 26-28 years and nearly 89% among the 29-35 years age group. The growth compared to pre-pandemic years is much higher among the above-35 age group with a 91% increase in 2021-22 compared to 2019-20. This indicates a higher churn in the employment scenario in these age groups. Understandably, the growth among re-joinees is lower in younger age groups, as most of them would be new subscribers or first-time job seekers. Number of Exits and Re-joinees higher among male EPF subscribers of older age-groups The trend among male EPF subscribers largely conforms with the overall trends reflected in EPF membership. The data for new subscriptions indicates that the growth seen in 2021-22 is proportionally higher among the younger males compared to males belonging to the age groups of 26 and above. This increase though is lesser than the pre-pandemic numbers. In the case of exits, a higher increase can be seen among the age groups between 22-35 years. The highest number of re-joinees among males belong to the age-group 29-35. Overall, this increase is significantly higher across the age groups of 22 to 35 and above. These trends among the male EPF subscribers who have re-joined seem to be driving the overall higher numbers. A higher number of new female subscribers across age groups in 2021-22 compared to pre-pandemic years The larger trend seen across males is also reflected in female EPF subscribers. Compared to 2020-21, the increase in new subscribers among younger female age groups is higher in 2021-22. Whereas in the case of those who have exited and have re-joined, the major increase is seen among females of older age groups. In the case of re-joinees, there is an overall increasing trend across the age groups. The figures are significantly higher than that of 2019-20.