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Over-50s make up just less than half of all part-time workers in the UK, according to new analysis.
The analysis is based on figures from the Office for National Statistics by Rest Less, a jobs, volunteering and advice site for the over 50s.
Stuart Lewis, Founder of Rest Less, said: “Whilst part-time work has historically been associated with students and those seeking flexible working to start families, today it has become an increasingly popular choice for older workers who are shunning the idea of a ‘cold turkey’ retirement in favour of a gradual shift via a part-time working week instead.
“Our analysis has shown that part-time work is growing in popularity amongst those in their 50s, 60s and 70s.
This is due to a number of factors. With ever increasing life expectancy, we are having to fund longer retirements and many are choosing to top up their pension pots whilst they still can.
Additionally, rises to the state pension age and the rapid equalisation of the women’s state pension age have meant that many more are having to continue working for longer.
Importantly however, there is also a growing understanding of the many health and social benefits that come with working into retirement such as staying active, socially connected and maintaining a sense of fulfillment.
“With generational lows in the unemployment rate, the over 50s offer an exciting, talented and up to now largely untapped opportunity too many employers who are struggling to plug a skills and jobs gap.”
Other factors include caring responsibilities for elderly relatives or partners.
Understanding the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population is vital if we want to create productive, innovative and inclusive multi-generational teams as we all lead longer working lives. workingwise.co.uk is a job and community site, from the people behind workingmums.co.uk, specially focused on older workers looking for flexibility and improved work-life balance, and the employers who recognise what they have to offer.
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