faster increase.
The CSJ’s latest report said evidence suggested the UK was “not responding to the needs and potential” of
an ageing workforce, with hundreds of thousands of people aged 50 to 64 seen as “economically inactive”.
It recommended helping older people “access the benefits of work” by giving support to them and
employers, such as increased access to flexible working and training opportunities. The organisation
proposes that the pension age should be increased once this support is in place.
In 2017 the government announced plans to increase the state pension age to 68 between 2037 and 2039.
However the CSJ wants to see faster increases, and believes the cost of benefits would be reduced by
employing more older people while it would boost the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP).
In its report, Ageing Confidently: Supporting an ageing workforce, the think tank states: “Removing
barriers for older people to remain in work has the potential to contribute greatly to the health of
individuals and the affordability of public services. Therefore, this paper argues for significant
improvements in the support for older workers. This includes improved healthcare support, increased
access to flexible working, better opportunities for training, an employer-led mid-life MOT and the
implementation of an ‘Age Confident’ scheme.
“As we prepare for the future, we must prioritise increasing the opportunity to work for this demographic
to reduce involuntary worklessness. For the vulnerable and marginalised, a job offers the first step away
from state dependence, social marginalisation and personal destitution. In addition, provided that this
support is in place, we propose an increase in the state pension age to 75 by 2035.
“While this might seem contrary to a long-standing compassionate attitude to an older generation that have
paid their way in the world and deserve to be looked after, we do not believe it should be. Working longer
has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, increase retirement savings and ensure the full
functioning of public services for all.”
CSJ chief executive Andy Cook said: “Right now, we are not doing enough to help older people stay in work
and the state pension age doesn’t even closely reflect healthy working life expectancy. By increasing the
state pension age, we can help people stay in gainful and life-enhancing employment while also making a
sound long-term financial decision.”
Ex-pensions minister Ros Altmann said the proposed changes “must not be allowed to happen”. She
tweeted: “Reports of state pension age rising to 75 are shocking. Major changes in pension attitudes
required due to big life expectancy differentials. Using age as a strict cut off is not good policy.”