Government rejects calls to lower State Pension age
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 07:02 · Archive
The Government has rejected a petition with 16,749 signatures calling for a lower State Pension age to free up jobs for young people.
The Government has rejected a petition with 16,749 signatures calling for the State Pension age to be lowered. The campaign, created by Helen Grice, argued that reducing the retirement age would free up jobs for younger adults struggling to find employment. In its response published on 12 October, the Department for Work and Pensions said: 'The Government has no plans to lower the State Pension age.'
Campaigners contended that making people work longer reduces job availability for young people and that lowering the State Pension age could encourage older workers to retire while allowing those who have worked throughout their lives to enjoy retirement. However, ministers defended the current approach by citing rising life expectancy and the financial challenges of supporting an ageing population. The Government noted that men aged 66 in the UK in 2026 could expect to live another 19.3 years on average, whilst women the same age could expect a further 21.9 years.
The DWP said State Pension age policy must reflect longer lifespans, with some increases necessary to maintain fairness between generations, protect public finances and ensure the State Pension remains sustainable. The Government's Third State Pension age Review is underway.
How it is being reported
- DWP State Pension Age row takes new turn as Government responds to campaignState Pension age verdict as Government rejects calls to let older workers retire earlier - but there is still time to push for parliamentary debateSomerset County Gazette · 13 Oct, 06:00
- DWP State Pension Age row takes new turn as Government responds to campaignState Pension age verdict as Government rejects calls to let older workers retire earlier - but there is still time to push for parliamentary debateBridgwater Mercury · 13 Oct, 06:00
In this story: Helen Grice · Department for Work and Pensions · United Kingdom
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