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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think increasing pension age isn’t going to add up?

306 replies

Tiredandconfused23 · 03/10/2024 09:43

I was reading a few recent studies about the employment situation for over 50s, basically confirming how this age group struggles to return to work, is more likely to be laid off and/or forced into early retirement and how a far higher proportion are in poverty and/or insecure employment than other age groups. And how, despite years of pushback against age bias, it’s only increased in recent years.

If we accept this, I can’t help feeling the idea that increasing the pension age so we work longer, thus save money on benefits, isn’t going to add up. Many people in their fifties would happily carry on working - the issue is many employers may not want us. You can’t keep working if there’s no job to work at.

AIBU to think we may soon be facing a load of older people on benefits, often through no fault of trying, rather than claiming a pension? Would this be seen as still more favourable by the Government?

OP posts:
angela1952 · 06/10/2024 15:57

Tiredandconfused23 · 05/10/2024 22:27

I think “until very recently” is key. Someone I know actually seriously considered changing to being an HGV driver, however quick research amongst various driver forums revealed things have changed significantly in the last year or so. Apparently a lot of haulage firms are going out of business because of the cost of living crisis, meaning there’s now a surplus of experienced drivers looking for work. Newly trained drivers are struggling to find jobs now.

I also have to consider I’m a single parent. Zero-hour contracts and gig jobs, like Deliveroo and Amazon drivers might be available but, by nature, are insecure and won’t guarantee putting food in the table for me and the kids alone. Sure, I’d take them if there was nothing else, however I hope you appreciate why I may prefer something a bit more secure.

Edited
Show quote history

I know someone who recently retired from being a black cab driver. He's also got an HGV licence but found that the work available was mainly long haul or zero-hours type contracts, not things that he wanted.

Meadowfinch · 08/10/2024 10:51

To add a positive footnote to this thread, I have been offered one of the two jobs from yesterday's interviews and invited back for a 3rd interview from the other one. Huge relief in our house.

I'll be the newbie despite being 61 which proves it is possible in some circumstances. 🙂

Thanks @Kitkat1523, @oakleaffy @ilovesooty

Milkandacookie · 08/10/2024 13:09

Well done Meadow! What jobs are they? Which do you think you'll go for? Are they completely new work for you?

Meadowfinch · 08/10/2024 14:15

@Milkandacookie I work in high tech/scientific marketing, an industry renown for preferring younger candidates. But I have obviously found a ceo who doesn't mind as long as the work gets done. So very familiar to me. I'll go for the closest geographically. It's my preferred role and the people seem lovely. 🙂

All the best to everyone else who's job hunting at the moment.

Milkandacookie · 08/10/2024 14:17

Yay!

asdfgasdfg · 30/10/2024 20:36

I am job hunting, aged 71. Keep your fingers crossed for me

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