Employment of the older generation

Abstract

In 2007 there were 20.7 million people aged 50 and over in the UK representing a 50 per cent increase from 1951. This article, using the Labour Force Survey of the UK, describes recent trends in the characteristics and labour market participation of older workers including: the employment rate of older workers and regional patterns; the influence of partners on labour market activity; the likely occupations, working patterns, employment status and qualifications of older workers; and the older generation gender pay gap.