The insurance coverage firm claimed availability of versatile working alternatives would hold 34 per cent of over 50’s would keep within the workforce for longer – and an additional 28 per cent may very well be tempted out of retirement in the event that they merely had the choice to work at home.

Regardless of this, knowledge from Timewise confirmed that solely 12 per cent of job vacancies within the UK provided part-time hours and lots of of those are a lot decrease paid roles.

The identical report discovered that simply 30 per cent of UK job vacancies promote some type of versatile working corresponding to distant working, dwelling working or part-time hours.

This comes after the Financial institution of England voiced issues {that a} marked rise in financial inactivity among the many over-50s may maintain again progress, with 386,000 leaving the workforce because the pandemic. The brand new findings from Zurich counsel that lower than 1 / 4 of this age group have sufficient financial savings for a cushty retirement

In the meantime a latest Home of Lords committee discovered that early retirement was the important thing driver of financial inactivity in Britain.

The Authorities not too long ago introduced a £70m help bundle to handle the exodus, and Zurich’s analysis signifies efforts may very well be bolstered if versatile working alternatives have been obtainable from extra employers.

The over 50S will profit from adjustments introduced within the Spring Finances set to be delivered by the Division for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Measures embody rising the quantity of people that can entry the Mid-Life MOT supply by way of their native Jobcentre and a brand new digital Mid-Life MOT that might be launched to assist older staff perceive what their employment selections imply for the long-term and their funds.

Pay and adaptability necessary for over 50s

Whereas pay is a big issue for practically a 3rd (32 per cent) of individuals in encouraging them to unretire, flexibility at work seems to carry equal weighting (31 per cent).

Timewise’s analysis discovered that 8.4m of those that work half time, accomplish that out of necessity resulting from sick well being, managing disabilities or caring for family.

Zurich’s research confirmed that for multiple in 5 individuals, sick well being or incapacity has been the catalyst for retirement, in addition to psychological sick well being for an additional 16 per cent. Caring duties have been additionally a set off for 16 per cent of these surveyed; this determine rose to 26 per cent for these aged 50-55, suggesting this cohort could also be sandwiched between caring for various generations.

With many companies struggling to fill vacancies, practically a 3rd of older staff (30 per cent) believed that firms don’t welcome their abilities and expertise. Practically one in 4 additionally mentioned {that a} office tradition the place they really feel valued and welcomed would encourage them to increase their working lives.

Steve Collinson, chief HR officer at Zurich UK mentioned: “Multiple in 4 of our UK staff is over 50 and we all know that for them, flexibility is vital.  We’ve been a versatile working employer for over a decade and all new roles are marketed as being obtainable on a part-time or job-share foundation.

“The suggestions we hear is that individuals wish to keep on working, however otherwise.  Our individuals inform us that they produce other wants corresponding to caring duties, however in addition they need steadiness and time without work for hobbies, volunteering, or journey. Our insurance policies issue this in and embody wellbeing and psychological well being help and extra not too long ago menopause. “

Minister for Employment, Man Opperman MP mentioned: “Older individuals have quite a bit to supply, and we all know that being in work supplies monetary safety whereas rising the financial system.

“That’s why we’re serving to extra older staff by eradicating obstacles, encouraging employers to supply versatile roles, and bolstering the instruments over 50s want to remain in or return to work.

“Funding is vital to supporting adults of all ages again into employment and provides companies the expert workforce they should change into extra productive.”

Dr Carole Easton OBE, chief govt on the Centre for Ageing Higher, mentioned: “If employers wish to handle their abilities and labour shortages, then they should take an open method to versatile working. We suggest employers promote all roles as versatile for everybody, for any cause, the place potential and likewise clarify that versatile, hybrid or distant working is welcome from day one, moderately than on request. It is usually important that employers help line managers to develop and handle a versatile working association that works for employer, supervisor and the organisation extra broadly.

“Some employers are already displaying they really worth the important contribution that older staff make and we’re very impressed with the insurance policies that Zurich Insurance coverage have put in place to help their skilled staff. If different employers wish to know the way they will create a extra engaging work setting for older staff, they will comply with within the footprints of Zurich Insurance coverage and signal as much as our Age-friendly Employer Pledge.”

Gillian Perry, regional main and sophisticated loss supervisor has labored in insurance coverage since she was 18 although began working for Zurich through the pandemic.  She compresses her working hours in order that she will spend a day every week taking care of her two-year-old granddaughter Izzy.

Gillian added: “We go on particular journeys and I take pleasure in all the issues together with her that I used to be too busy to note with my very own youngsters.   I get the highest of each worlds.”

In addition to flexibility at work, Gillian talks a few tradition of belief, the place she is empowered to get on together with her job. She feedback: “Once I take into consideration my very own position and the qualities I carry to it, I feel life expertise is vastly necessary.  It helps me to construct relationships with clients and talk with them successfully. Generally I must convey dangerous information which will get simpler with age – I’m extra relaxed and empathetic. I assume I’ve seen all the things from a claims perspective.”