Your Legal Right to Work Past 60
The most important legal fact for anyone considering if they can you work after 60 in the UK is that the Default Retirement Age (DRA) was scrapped in 2011. This major legislative change means that, for most professions, your employer cannot legally force you to retire simply because you have reached a certain age. Instead, the decision to retire is a personal one, and you are entitled to continue working for as long as you feel able.
This legal protection is primarily rooted in the Equality Act 2010, which identifies age as a protected characteristic. This means it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, training, promotion, and dismissal, on the grounds of your age.
There are a few, very rare exceptions where a compulsory retirement age can still be enforced, but employers must be able to provide strong, objective justification for it. Examples include certain public service roles, such as the police and fire service, where specific physical abilities are a statutory requirement. For the vast majority of jobs, however, an employer attempting to force retirement could face legal action for age discrimination.
Flexible Working Options for Older Employees
For many over 60, continuing to work doesn't mean a relentless full-time schedule. The UK offers various flexible working options that can provide a better work-life balance. This approach, often called 'phased retirement', allows you to gradually reduce your hours and responsibilities.
Common flexible working arrangements include:
- Part-time work: This is a very popular option, enabling you to continue earning while freeing up more time for family, hobbies, or volunteering. Part-time employees generally have the same rights as full-time staff.
- Job sharing: This involves splitting a full-time role with a colleague, with both individuals sharing responsibilities and working hours.
- Compressed hours: You can work your contracted hours over fewer days. For example, working a full-time week in four days instead of five.
- Working from home/remotely: The growth of remote and hybrid work offers immense flexibility, reducing commuting and allowing for a better blend of personal and professional life.
Under UK law, all employees have the right to request flexible working, and employers are required to consider these requests in a reasonable manner.
The Advantages of Working After 60
Deciding to continue working is a personal choice with numerous potential benefits, both financial and personal. Beyond simply needing the income, many older workers cite job satisfaction and social engagement as key motivators.
- Financial stability: Continuing to earn a salary provides extra income to boost your retirement savings, cover expenses, or enjoy a better quality of life.
- Deferred State Pension: By continuing to work and deferring your State Pension, your weekly payments will increase when you eventually do claim it.
- National Insurance exemption: If you work past the State Pension age, you stop paying National Insurance contributions on your earnings, meaning you take home more of your pay.
- Mental stimulation: Staying in a role that challenges you and keeps your brain active can help maintain cognitive function and overall mental health.
- Social connections: The workplace provides a vital social network, helping to combat isolation and maintain a sense of purpose and routine.
Understanding the Financial Implications
While the financial benefits can be significant, it's crucial to understand the implications of working in later life.
- Income Tax: You will still be liable for income tax on your earnings, and if you claim your private or State Pension, this additional income could push you into a higher tax bracket.
- State Pension interaction: While you can claim your State Pension while still working, it might affect your tax liability. Deferring it is an option many consider to increase future payments.
- Workplace pensions: You should check with your pension provider about the impact of changing your working hours or continuing to work on your workplace pension, as it might affect future payouts.
Comparing Working Past 60 with Full Retirement
| Aspect | Working Past 60 | Full Retirement |
|---|---|---|
| Income | Continued salary plus any claimed pensions. | Income is limited to pensions, savings, and investments. |
| Taxes | Income tax on earnings and pension income. National Insurance contributions cease. | Income tax on pension income. |
| Lifestyle | Maintaining a routine, social connections, and professional identity. | Full freedom to pursue hobbies, travel, and personal interests. |
| Health | Staying mentally and physically active through work can improve well-being. | May require conscious effort to maintain social and physical activity. |
| Flexibility | Increasing ability to adjust hours or role (if employer agrees). | Complete control over your time and schedule. |
| Purpose | Often retains a strong sense of purpose from professional contribution. | Finding new purpose through volunteering, hobbies, or community roles. |
Finding Work as an Older Jobseeker
If you are looking for a new role in your 60s, there are several pathways and resources available:
- Leverage your experience: Highlight your extensive knowledge, reliability, and wisdom on your CV and during interviews. Frame your age as a benefit, not a barrier.
- Consider consultancy or freelancing: Your years of expertise can be valuable to businesses on a project-by-project basis. This offers control over your schedule and type of work.
- Explore retraining opportunities: Government initiatives like Skills Bootcamps and Apprenticeships (which have no upper age limit) can help you retrain in a new field or update existing skills.
- Use support services: Organisations like Jobcentre Plus and Age UK provide tailored support, CV advice, and resources for older jobseekers. You can also find guidance on the official government website: Working past State Pension age.
Conclusion
The question of whether you can you work after 60 in the UK is definitively answered with a 'yes'. The law supports your right to continue employment, offering protection from age discrimination. Whether you opt for phased retirement through flexible working, start a new freelance venture, or simply continue in your current role, the power of choice is yours. By understanding your rights and options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your financial and personal needs, ensuring a fulfilling and productive later life.
