What is the average age to stop working in the UK?

Oct 26, 2025 2 min read •

Retirement Personal Finance UK Demographics

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average age of exit from the workforce in 2024 was 65.7 for men and 64.5 for women, reaching the highest recorded levels since data collection began. This information is crucial for anyone asking "What is the average age to stop working in the UK?" as it reflects broader trends toward longer working lives driven by rising State Pension ages and other economic factors.

Quick Summary

The average retirement age in the UK is rising due to increased life expectancy and government policy changes to the State Pension age. Factors such as health, finances, and work conditions heavily influence individual decisions to stop working.

Key Points

Average UK retirement age is rising: In 2024, the average age of exit from the workforce reached a record high of 65.7 for men and 64.5 for women.
State Pension age is increasing: The State Pension age is 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and is projected to increase further to 68 by 2046.
No mandatory retirement age: Since 2011, UK law has not enforced a compulsory retirement age, allowing individuals to work for as long as they wish.
Personal finance and health are key drivers: An individual's financial situation, state of health, and wellbeing are major factors influencing their decision to retire, sometimes earlier than planned.
Private pensions offer earlier access: While the State Pension age is rising, private and workplace pensions can typically be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), offering an option for earlier retirement if financially viable.
Working patterns are changing: Trends like part-time work in retirement and re-entering the workforce after an initial retirement are becoming more common.
Future trends: Due to factors like inflation and cost of living, it is likely the average age of retirement will continue to increase as people work longer to secure their finances.

The UK's average retirement age today

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for 2024 shows the average age of exit from the workforce was 65.7 for men and 64.5 for women. These figures are the highest recorded to date.

The rising State Pension age

A key reason for the increasing average age of stopping work is the rise in the State Pension age (SPa). The SPa is currently 66 for both men and women. It is set to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028. A further rise to 68 is planned between 2044 and 2046, subject to review. Working longer is necessary to receive the government pension due to the rising SPa.

Other factors influencing retirement decisions

Retirement decisions are personal and shaped by factors such as finances, health, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and caring responsibilities. Health problems are often a reason for earlier retirement.

UK retirement age: Workplace vs. State Pension eligibility

Understanding different pension ages is important for retirement planning.


Feature	State Pension	Private/Workplace Pension
Eligibility Age	Currently 66, rising to 67 (2026-28).	Can typically be accessed from age 55, rising to 57 from April 2028.
Primary Funding Source	Funded by National Insurance contributions.	Funded by employee and employer contributions and investments.
Benefit Amount	A fixed weekly amount, dependent on National Insurance record.	Varies significantly based on contributions, investment performance, and scheme type.
Flexibility	Claiming can be deferred to receive a higher payment later.	More flexible access options, but early withdrawal may have tax implications and reduce future income.

Conclusion

Recent data indicates the average retirement age in the UK is in the mid-60s and is increasing due to government policy and socioeconomic factors. The State Pension age is set to rise further, contributing to the trend of longer working lives. Financial planning and understanding pension options are vital for deciding when to retire. The evolving average age of retirement reflects individuals adjusting working lives to personal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for 2024, the average age of exit from the labour market was 65.7 for men and 64.5 for women.

No, the UK abolished the Default Retirement Age (DRA) in 2011, meaning employers can no longer force employees to retire at a specific age.

The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. It is scheduled to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

Yes, you can typically start drawing from a private or workplace pension from the age of 55. This will increase to age 57 from April 2028.

As UK citizens live longer, healthier lives, the government has gradually increased the State Pension age to ensure the system remains financially sustainable. This contributes to the overall trend of people working longer.

Individual decisions are influenced by financial readiness (size of private pension), health, workplace conditions, and personal circumstances like caring for family members.

It is likely the average retirement age will continue to rise. Future increases to the State Pension age are already planned, and economic pressures may push individuals to work longer to secure their financial futures.

You can choose to defer claiming your State Pension after reaching eligibility age. This can result in receiving higher weekly payments once you do start claiming.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.