Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Matt Flynn, Professor Tracy ScurryORCiD
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
An ageing population and the abolition of a mandatory retirement age in the UK presents society with an unprecedented challenge to extend working lives. This paper discusses phase one of an academic-practitioner project that explores the perspectives of both employers and employees pertaining to how well they are prepared for this extension. A survey, interviews, and focus groups show that retirement is impacted by age awareness levels within firms, the ability to discuss work choices and retirement with managers, and awareness of pension issues. Shop-floor workers perceive that policy changes have put pressure on them to work longer, but expressed concerns about doing so, especially physical work with lower level of fitness. Relatively low levels of help with retirement planning and limited access to assistive technology among older workers also emerged, as did an expression of interest in adjusting working hours and mentoring. Employers expressed concerns around the quality of work of older workers and their ability to maintain a safe working environment. Employers are also worried about loss of control, are unclear as to the legal implications of retirement discussions, and worry in case they are perceived as discriminatory. These findings have practical workplace implications for extending working lives.
Author(s): Sudbury-Riley L, Bennett K, Flynn M, Sainsbury R, Scurry T
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Ageing & Society Knowledge Community, 4th Interdisciplinary Conference
Year of Conference: 2014
