United Kingdom

Laura Airey, Jakov Jandric

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

In response to concerns about the rising cost of State Pensions and the prospect of skills shortages, successive United Kingdom (UK) governments have introduced a range of legislative changes designed to extend working life. Policy discourse emphasises individual responsibility for saving towards retirement, and in recent years there has been a shift away from collective pension provision. Changes to employment regulations and pension schemes have been portrayed both as an economic necessity and as offering older workers greater choice and control over work in later life. However, gendered patterns of paid employment and unpaid caring work over the lifecourse mean that women are systematically disadvantaged in terms of employment opportunities in later life and access to pension income in retirement. Extended working life policies may also negatively impact upon older workers in poor health, since the UK does not have a disability pension and individuals cannot claim their State Pension early.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationExtending Working Life Policies
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Gender and Health Perspectives
EditorsAine Ni Leime, Jim Ogg, Martina Rašticová, Debra Street, Clary Krekula, Monika Bédiová, Ignacio Madero-Cabib
PublisherSpringer
Chapter38
Pages469-479
ISBN (Electronic)9783030409852
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2020

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • extending working lives
  • UK pension reforms
  • employment patterns by gender
  • health of older workers

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