Move to end enforced retiral wins support

NEARLY two-thirds of people nearing retirement think more should be done to help those who want to go on working.

A survey published yesterday shows six out of ten over-50s questioned say there is not enough support, while a third say they want to continue in work.

Around 67 per cent also thought the default retirement age was unnecessary, while 85 per cent said they thought it was used by employers to get rid of staff.

Instead, nine out of 10 said they thought retirement should be about people's ability and desire to work, not their age, according to Saga and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta).

The research comes after the government announced plans to phase out the default retirement age next year.

Emma Soames, editor at large of Saga Magazine, said: "Our research shows many people approaching retirement feel unsupported, particularly if they want to continue working.

"Moving from full-time work to retirement should be a process of winding down – more akin to strolling down to the beach rather than being pushed off the cliff edge."