The UK’s population is ageing, people are living longer and our concept of retirement is changing. Many people aged 55 and above are already putting off retiring, and those entering the workforce today can expect to continue working well into later life. Government policy across a number of areas must respond to this trend.
A number of changes have already been made, including the removal of the default retirement age (DRA), the extension of the right to request flexible working and the introduction of unprecedented pension freedoms that allow people greater flexibility when accessing their savings.
However, more can and must be done to ensure that the impact of people continuing to work later in life is fully understood and the right support is available where and when it is needed. Those who wish to continue working need opportunities to be available to them, while those who feel unable to continue in full time employment need support as they retire.