The cost-of-living crisis and the need to make ends meet, means that half of older women fear they will have to keep working beyond the state pension age.
More than half of women aged 45 and over (53 per cent) surveyed by the older worker advice website Working Wise said they were concerned that their pension would not be enough for them to be financially independent in later life.
The study, carried out to investigate women’s economic situation as they approach retirement, exposes the lasting impact that career breaks – such as time off to bring up young children or to care for relatives – or working part-time can have on women’s pension payouts.
Fit, active and keen to stay involved
For employers, older workers can have a beneficial effect on their business and bring a wealth of experience and commitment, so looking after their health and safety makes good business sense.
According to research from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), instead of being unfit to work due to ageing and ill health, 62 per cent of over 50s describe themselves as feeling as fit as ever and keen to stay involved.
But some employers can have stereotyped views of the abilities and attitudes of older workers and the HSE has guidance about older people in the workplace.
How should employers work with older employees?
- Do not assume that certain jobs are physically too demanding, many jobs are supported by technology, which can absorb the physical strain.
- Think about the activities older workers do, as part of your overall risk assessment and consider whether any changes are needed. This might include:
Allowing older workers more time to absorb health and safety information or training; Introducing opportunities for older workers to choose to move to other types of work or designing tasks that contain a manual element that they eliminate or minimise the risk.
- Think about how older workers can pass on their knowledge and help improve managing health and safety risks by assisting younger colleagues.
- Consulting with your employees helps you to manage health and safety in a practical way.
At all times employers need to be beware of falling foul of age discrimination laws. There is now no legal retirement age and older workers enjoy the same employment rights as other members of the workforce.
There are exceptions in some situations where an employer can force a worker to retire by law, but they must give a good reason why. Workers may be asked to retire early if their job:
- Requires a certain level of mental or physical abilities
- An age limit set by another law
If this is the case, the employer must follow a fair procedure and give enough notice.
For help and advice on matters relating to employment law, contact our expert team today.