Lower the State Pension age to free up jobs for young adults

Lower the State Pension age for workers so young adults that don't currently work have more chance of getting a job.

The longer people are having to work the fewer jobs there are out there for young adults. If the Government lowered the State Pension age we believe it could encourage retirement so that employers might take on a young adult to fill the space – that would help young people get jobs and also help the older generation that have done their bit for society and get to enjoy the last few years of their life.

There are no plans to reduce State Pension age.

We are fortunate today that more people are reaching old age: life expectancy has risen rapidly over the past century, driven by breakthroughs in medical treatments and generally healthier lifestyles. In 2026, for example, men aged 66 in the UK can be expected to live on average a further 19.3 years, and women aged 66 a further 21.9 years. State Pension age policy takes account of the fact that people are living longer and our society is ageing, with some rises being necessary to maintain fairness between generations, protect the public finances, and strengthen the State Pension by ensuring it will be there for decades to come.

The Third State Pension age Review is currently underway and will decide what State Pension age is appropriate for future decades, balancing considerations of fairness and sustainability. It will consider a wide range of evidence, including an independent report from Dr. Suzy Morrissey.

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The Government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.

This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn, including through expanded network of Youth Hubs, earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, additional work experience and training opportunities, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers, and a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds.

Department for Work and Pensions