MORE older workers HAVING to work into their retirement

Figures published recently by the Department of Communities and Local Government show that almost 250,000 people aged 65+ are still repaying their mortgages and that there are c1 million homeowners yet to clear their mortgage debts who are approaching retirement. Within 5 years the number of pensioners with mortgages is projected to increase to 1 million. This suggests that more and more older workers are likely to need to continue to work rather than retire. The removal of the deferred retirement age next year will at least make it easier for them to do so. These figures add further weight to the argument that employers should ensure that they have effective employment practices in place, particularly the need to update the skills of their older workers who may be employed for longer.