Fewer hours of work for older people in Britain

Older people are working fewer hours even though their employment rates have increased a new study reveals.

Age UK said the changing labour market, with more self-employment and jobs in the so-called gig economy, was starting to affect older workers as well as young adults.

A typical 60 to 64-year-old man is working eight hours fewer than in 2008, with similar reductions affecting 50 to 54-year-old men and women, said the charity.

Its report said the employment rate was not telling the whole story, suggesting that policies for improving the job prospects of older people need to be reviewed.