Flexible working key to working longer

The latest British Social Attitudes Survey has revealed that almost half of workers would stay in work if they were offered more flexibility by their employers in later life.

The results highlighted how 47 per cent of workers who responded said that they would work longer before retiring if their employer were to offer more flexible hours, allowing employers to earn an income and free up more time to do other things such as caring for grandchildren or taking up a new hobby.

Additionally, a similar percentage said they would want to work part time (46 per cent), or take on a less demanding role (30 per cent).

Official employment figures highlight that there are more older people in work than ever before, with the employment rate for older workers at a near-record 70.8 per cent. Furthermore, it is predicted that by 2020, 30 per cent of British workers will be aged 50 and over.

The report also found that approximately 30 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds and 21 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds expect to retire in their 70s.

Damian Hinds, Employment Minister, said: “There are more older people in work than ever before, but we know that many leave the workforce earlier than they’d like. Having greater flexibility over when and for how long they work is clearly something that appeals to many people.

“Encouragingly, we’re seeing more employers taking on older workers as they recognise the benefits of having them on the payroll. But we want to go further to help more older people stay in employment, which is why in the new year we will publish a strategy led by employers on how we plan to do it.”