(Telecompaper) Belgian operator Proximus announced an agreement with unions to offer early retirement to up to 1,300 employees. Staff from the age of 60, or for a small number from 58, will be allowed to retire early and will receive a replacement income from Proximus until they are eligible to claim their pension. They will also be offered the opportunity to take jobs elsewhere in the Belgian public administration. Proximus said the agreement will allow it to increase efficiency and give it the flexibility to hire new profiles of employee for changing business needs.