Project Leader: Helen Barnes
PSI Researchers: Helen Barnes and Deborah Smeaton
Sponsor: Department for Work and Pensions
Period: April- September 2002
Background
Much analysis of the working patterns of older people has focused on people aged over 50 but under state pension age. There is increasing policy interest in the idea of flexible retirement, yet many movements out of the labour market are linked with institutional factors such as the availability of state retirement pensions. This project will examine the working patterns of people over state pension age and identify the factors associated with working after state pensions age.
Project Design
This project will conduct secondary analysis of data from several large surveys (LFS, BHPS and FRS) to examine the characteristics and employment status of people in the UK who remain in paid work after state pension age, and to predict the propensity to work after state pension age.
Importance of Research
By identifying the main types of employment in which people over SPA are working, and the characteristics of those who take up such employment, the research will identify issues relevant to the development of flexible retirement policies.