Employment: Older People

(asked on 14th September 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they take, if any, to encourage those beyond the state pension age to continue in paid employment if they wish to do so.


This question was answered on 21st September 2021

As people live longer healthier lives, many recognise the positive financial, health and social benefits of work, and are choosing to work beyond State Pension age. There are currently 1.3 million workers over State Pension age in employment. The Government is committed to enabling them to remain in, and progress in, work if they choose.

The extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service with their employer offers the opportunity for individuals of all ages to change or reduce their hours to accommodate other responsibilities, where the alternative would be to give up work altogether. This may be of particular interest to adults over State Pension age who would like to amend their working pattern.

We have appointed a Business Champion for Older Workers to engage and influence employers on the benefits of a mixed-age workforce both strategically and in terms of practical advice.

Government also recognises the importance of supporting adults to plan effectively for the future, including how to stay in work for longer. The mid-life MOT launched a webpage in 2019 which offers support to those considering whether they need to make a change in their work, health or finances in order to get the most out of work and retirement.

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