Record numbers of over-50s now in work

EMPLOYMENT levels among the over-50s are at an all-time high and growing faster than all other age groups, research reveals.

- Alan Jones

They make up a third of the UK workforce and, for the first time, they are now close to equalling the number of workers aged 35 to 49, according to the analysis of official data.

There are 10.9 million people aged 50 or over in jobs, said older people's advice agency Rest Less.

The rate of those aged between 50 and 64 in work has risen by 16% from 56% to 72% in the past 30 years, outlining the rapidly increasing contribution of this group to the workforce.

Stuart Lewis, chief executive of Rest Less, said: "Falling fertility rates, medical advancements and a host of other societal changes that have taken place across many decades have resulted in a seismic shift to the demographic make-up of the workplace today.