What future is there for jobs dependent on older people?

The census, which took place two years ago, has thrown up some intriguing findings as the results have gradually been revealed.

Taking place every 10 years of course, the census gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

And given that it covers a broad range of topics, there have been many different strands to the outcomes published.

The latest, as we reveal today, highlights the occupations most dependent on older workers.

Farmers, undertakers and elected politicians all come into that category.

Some 42 per cent of farmers in England and Wales said they were aged 60 or over at the time of the 2021 census, while 30 per cent of members of the clergy, such as vicars and bishops, were at least that same age.

But, topping the list, were elected representatives – anyone whose main job is being paid to hold an elected office, from local councillor to Member of Parliament – where 52 per cent were 60 or over, and 38 per cent were 65 or above.

The figures have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Farmers, in fact, have a particularly old age profile as an occupation, with fewer than 11 per cent aged under 30 and 29 per cent aged at least 65.

The latter is a remarkably high figure, especially given the long hours, early starts and hard work involved.

It no doubt reflects a set of workers passionate about the valuable role they play in society, with many probably having been in the industry for much – if not all – of their working lives.

The concern with the numbers in all of these fields, however, is what the future holds.

As hard-working and committed as they may be, these older workers won’t be able to go on forever.

And will there be a sufficient amount of younger people to replace them?