Next decade will see rise in older workers

By 2020 the workforce will be significantly older with an extra two million people aged 55 and above in the workplace, according to the financial services group Friends Provident.

Its Visions of Britain 2020 report, says that there will be 7.16 million over-55s in 10 years’ time compared with 5.14 million today. And a lack of talent and skills shortages in the workforce will ensure that these older workers are more valued in the future than they are today.

There will also be more workers who have both dependant children and parents who require care and they will require increased provision for flexible working, affecting the jobs they choose.

Trevor Matthews, chief executive officer of Friends Provident, said: “For older employees, there will be more opportunities in the workplace than ever before; for others, finding the right opportunity will be a significant challenge.”