Baby boomers expect to work until they drop

LARGE NUMBERS of baby boomers expect to work past their state pension age, according to a report urging more “ageing-friendly” employment opportunities.

The generation born in the late 1950s is divided in its prospects for later life, with a “considerable proportion” – at 35 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women – thinking it more likely than not that they will still be working beyond the age of 66, the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) said.

Fiftysomethings who are still working but in low-earning jobs, were among the most likely to report expecting to be working into their 60s and beyond the state pension age.

The research was funded by York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and used data from the National Child Development Study, which for nearly 60 years has been following a group of more than 17,000 people born in March 1958.

Health was found to be a key factor behind a link between low incomes and people stopping work early, with poorer people being more likely to report poor general health, being disabled or poor mental well-being. People who were less well off were also more likely to no longer be in employment by their mid-50s.

Professor Alissa Goodman, director of CLS, said: “We need to look at how we help people, particularly those who have experienced disadvantage in their lives, to stay healthy and in work for longer.

“And this needs to start early, not as people reach late middle age.

“With another increase in the state pension age in the future, this is more important than ever.”