23.5 Million Working Britons Would Consider Returning to Employment After They Retire

73% would return to work after retirement to stimulate minds

1 in 5 keen to return to work to get away from their partner

Money not the only motivator

According to Whitbread, the leading leisure company in the UK, a significant proportion of the adult working population would consider returning to the workplace after retirement. New research* from the leisure company reveals that as many as 23.5 million Britons, 50% of the current adult population, would return to full or part time work which could place increasing demands on employers to provide flexible working arrangements.

Whitbread, a supporter of the Equal Opportunities Review (EOR) is keen to highlight the importance of the issues of age diversity and age discrimination in the UK workplace. Research from the EOR shows that 70% of businesses are unconcerned about the forthcoming legislation due to come into force in 2006 and is urging companies to ensure they have a policy in place on age diversity.

Whitbread whose businesses have achieved success in the Sunday Times ëGreat Place to Workí and Financial Times ëBest Workplace in the UKí awards, has 67,000 employees across the country and is an active recruiter of people of all ages, including those over 50. Whitbread has seen an increase in retirees and over 50ís making the decision to return to work.

In addition, industry figures** also show that over the last seven years the employment rate for older people has risen faster than that of the working age population (25 ñ 49 year olds). 40% of the adult population are aged 50 and over in the UK with the proportion of older people in the population growing.

Additional findings from the Whitbread survey showed that the majority (73%) of those surveyed would return to work in order to keep their minds active. But a surprising 1 in 5 admitted to considering a return to work in order to have time away from their partner or families. Just over half (57%) of people said they would consider returning to work for financial reasons.

The UKís women lead the charge back to work with 54% saying they would consider returning, while 47% of men would consider a return if the right job suited them. People in the West Midlands appeared to be the most keen to return to work with 60% compared to those asked in East Anglia where only 38% stated they would do so.

Angie Risley, director of human resources at Whitbread, said: ìRecent reports have shown that the number of people living to 80 will double by 2050, and in light of this many of these individuals will want to continue to work after retirement age for a variety of reasons. Employers need to prepare for this.î

ìWe have always made a point of welcoming older staff. Not only do they bring a degree of confidence, reliability, experience and maturity to the workplace but they also have great skills when dealing with customers.î

ìOur research shows a significant amount of people want to return to work for many different reasons which is great news for employers facing a skills shortage. But it is important that if people are looking for a change of career at a later point in life they consider a workplace that is flexible and meets their needs.î

For those considering a return to work after retirement Whitbread offers the following advice:

- Look for an organisation you will feel comfortable in - try places you like shopping or going to: you will deliver the kind of service you would like to get and be a great asset to your employer (and it wonít feel like being at work at all!)

- Use your flexibility to your advantage ñ find a working pattern that suits you and your employer, including part-time and contract work ñ both are more readily available than full-time jobs

- Sell yourself ñ make a list of all the things you can do and the skills you bring, whether that includes office skills, being a good listener, good at outdoor or DIY skills

- Seek help if required on interview skills

- Consider your physical needs ñ if you donít want too much activity consider options such as helpdesk, reception or even handyman work

- Be enthusiastic ñ employers want to know you are keen for work