Number of Scots working past retirement rising

Many of the aging workers are also often carrying out long hours and commuting lengthy distances, a census analysis carried out by Stirling University for the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland reveals.

Analysis of 2011 census data for the EHRC Scotland found 7.2 per cent of people over the age of 65 were in work, compared with 6.8 per cent a decade earlier.

More than a third (37 per cent) of men and a quarter (26 per cent) of women travelled more than 6.2 miles to work.

The most common form of employment was in skilled trades such as electrical engineering, construction or farming, followed by jobs such as cleaning and security and professional occupations.

The research also found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of people aged 65 and over lived alone and around 11 per cent carried out unpaid care, with half of those contributing more than 50 hours per week.

There were also marked health inequalities for older people in Scotland, with 17 per cent of those who worked in routine roles having poor health compared to four per cent who were in higher professional or managerial roles.

Alastair Pringle, EHRC Scotland Director said: “The over-60s are the fastest-growing group in society; there are more pensioners than ever before. This has exposed a number of issues around getting older in Scotland, which are new to us. As Age UK say, ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging and we at the EHRC want to do all we can to reduce inequality to harness the talents of all Scottish people regardless of age, gender, race or any other protected characteristic.

“There are a number of interesting findings in the report, particularly showing how more Scottish pensioners are working past retirement age. For many, working past retirement is an active choice with people wanting to continue to contribute to their communities.

“However given the concentration of older people working in low paid occupations like cleaning and security and the associated long hours, it is likely that for some working past retirement is a means to alleviate poverty and increase income.

“Equal opportunities are vital at every stage in life; no one should be denied their right to play a full and functioning role in society because of their age. The Commission hopes that this report can provide a valuable snapshot of some of the challenges facing older Scots, but also some of the opportunities. Older people in Scotland have a huge amount to offer.”