UK Government urged to protect State Pension and cut National Insurance for older workers

The Later Life Ambitions campaign presented Chancellor Rachel Reeves with a list of proposals to boost growth and the workforce.

Campaigners have presented Chancellor Rachel Reeves with a plan to cut National Insurance on older workers to swell the workforce and boost growth. It is one of a number of proposals put forward by Later Life Ambitions (LLA), a campaign group that represents over 250,000 older people.

LLA launched the ‘Budget for Later Life’ on October 28 which includes demands to protect the State Pension Triple Lock, guaranteeing a minimum income for older people, and changes to National Insurance to incentivise keeping experience in the workforce and to narrow the yawning gender pensions gap in the coming years.

Campaigners say there is growing evidence of widespread age discrimination in the workforce according to the CIPD, particularly affecting individuals in their 50s and 60s who wish to continue working. Over a third of over 50s report experiencing ageism at work.

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Many older adults find themselves unable to secure employment despite being capable and willing to contribute, often due to outdated stereotypes, employer bias or restricted access to training opportunities. This issue is especially concerning for those in their mid-60s who are too young to qualify for the state pension but face significant barriers to re-entering or remaining in the workforce.

The Budget for Later Life advocates more robust enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, more support for employers and government-backed skills programmes for older workers who wish to re-enter or remain in the workforce.

Other proposals in the Budget for Older People include:

Protecting the State PensionReducing the tax on pensionsTackling the gender pension gapSupporting older people in the workplaceA minimum income guaranteeWidening access to public transportMaking housing safe, secure, accessible and adaptableSupporting health and social care

Sue Cook, author and television presenter best known for Crimewatch and Children in Need, said, “Later life should be a time of purpose, confidence and connection – not uncertainty. Older people still have a huge amount to give. With the right support and guidance, they can continue not only to enjoy full, independent lives themselves, but also giving the benefit of their insight and experience to the rest of society.

“If policymakers don’t act with foresight now, the challenges faced today will continue to affect the increasing number of people entering later life in generations to come. I’ve put my support behind the LLA’s manifesto as a way to ensure a fairer, more sustainable deal for older people.”

Later Life Ambitions brings together the collective voices of over 250,000 pensioners from the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA), the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) and the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP).

Sally Tsoukaris, General Secretary of the Civil Service Pensioners Alliance, said, “We understand the enormous pressure facing the Chancellor but penalising pensioners in retirement is never the answer to fixing the public finances.

“Our Budget is a progressive and positive proposal for a happy, healthy and fulfilling later life which celebrates older people’s contribution to society, recognises the dilemmas and addresses the policy challenges we will all face as we age.

“We hope the Chancellor will give older people a good deal this Autumn and honour their promises to deliver change for a fairer Britain.”

Alan Lees, CEO of the National Association of Retired Police Officers, said, “This is a thoughtful programme of proposals that ought to be carefully weighed in the Treasury.

“This year’s Budget is set to be a significant moment in the course of this parliament and the direction of this government. As such it is also an opportunity to provide a clear signal to the nation’s pensioners that their contribution to the nation, both through their working life and into later life, are valued.”

Eamonn Donaghy, CEO of the National Federation of Occupation Pensioners said, “Britain’s pensioners need reassurance and clarity not endless Budget speculation that causes stress about how financially tough this winter and even the winters ahead may be.

“It’s an unsettling time for many pensioners who have seen their spending power ravaged by inflation and who are concerned about paying for food and heating bills.

“The Government must not balance the books on the backs of the nation’s pensioners.”

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