Number of over-65s in work doubles

The number of people over the age of 65 still in work has increased by almost half a million in the past decade, figures revealed today.

Around 412,000 over 65s were in work in 2001, rising to 870,000 at the end of last year, said the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The increase was in full and part-time work, which both doubled for the older age group.

Full-time employment rates fell for 16 to 64-year-olds over the past two years, which covers the recession, but increased by 0.5% for those aged over 65.

ONS statistician Jamie Jenkins said: "Over the last decade older workers are making up an increasing percentage of the total workforce in the UK, doubling from 1.5% in 2001, to 3% in 2010.

"The analysis also looks at how long these individuals have been in continuous employment, and it shows that around two-thirds of those in work after reaching the age of 65 have been with their current employer for over 10 years."