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In Italy, the labour demand in labour intensive sectors, such as textile, clothing and footwear, has gradually declined due to the effects of the relocation of the low-added value activities in low-wage countries. At the same time, Italian governments have progressively postponed the retirement age but without the implementation of structural interventions in active labour market policies. Consequently, for older women workers with a low level of education, the risk is to experience income instability until retirement and a reduced pension. Based on the analysis of fifty interviews carried out with dismissed older women workers, social partners and public officers, we analyse the conditions of these workers and the factors that prevent their integration into the labour market.