Response to John Cridland's review on State Pension Age

Age UK has commented on the report into the rising State Pension Age.

Age UK's Charity Director, Caroline Abrahams, said: 'This is a welcome and comprehensive interim report from John Cridland and we are very pleased to see the emphasis it places on looking at the impact of a rising state pension age (SPA) on disadvantaged groups.

'Any process of increasing the SPA solely in line with average life expectancy is clearly unfair and penalises many of those who are unable to work longer due to caring responsibilities, health problems or age discrimination. In recent months we've spoken to people who are hugely worried about the prospect of having to continue working in a physically demanding job well into their sixties, or who can't work at all and are struggling on a low income because they are caring for loved ones. Far more support is clearly needed to help people who are able to work in later life to find a job that works for them. We also need a system of state pension and benefits that provides adequate support for those who cannot work and recognises the stark variations in life expectancy and health between different groups and ‎across the country. For example, in the most deprived areas of England, healthy life expectancy at birth for both men and women is around 55 years - way below current state pension age.

'This is a much-needed consultation to thoroughly explore all the options to help the many thousands of people who are, for whatever reason, unable to work into their late sixties. We're pleased to hear that the Cridland review will underpin any future recommendations about the SPA with effective communications - too many people have already been caught unawares by a rise in their State Pension age and we look forward to contributing to the consultation and hearing John Cridland's recommendations next year.'

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