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The number of people working into their 70s and 80s has increased by 51.5% over the past decade, according to Rest Less analysis of Office for National Statistics data.
An estimated 606,700 people aged 70 and over were in employment in 2025/26, up from 400,400 in 2015/16.
The increase has been particularly pronounced among women. The number of women aged 70 and over in employment rose by 69.4% over the decade, from 145,600 to 246,600, while the number of men increased by 41.3%, from 254,800 to 360,000.
The number of over-80s in work has more than doubled, rising by 111% since 2015/2016 from 34,900 to 73,800.
The figures underline how the traditional idea of retirement is changing, with increasing numbers of people choosing – or needing – to remain in work well beyond State Pension age.
Table 1: Number of over 70s in employment 2016-2026
| 2016 | 2026 | Increase | % increase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All over 70s |
400,400 | 606,700 | 206,300 | 51.5% |
| Men | 254,800 | 360,000 | 105,200 | 41.3% |
| Women | 145,600 | 246,600 | 101,000 | 69.4% |
Table 2: How all age groups over 70 have seen sharp increases in employment since 2016:
| Age | 2016 | 2026 | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70–74 | 266,800 | 372,100 | 39.5% |
| 75–79 | 98,700 | 160,800 | 62.9% |
| 80+ | 34,900 | 73,800 | 111.5% |
Stuart Lewis, founder of Rest Less, the UK’s largest digital community and jobs platform focused on people aged 50 and over, said “There are a couple of reasons why we’re seeing more people working into their 70s and 80s.
“On the positive side, many people are choosing to work for longer because they enjoy being active, purposeful and engaged with their communities. We often forget how much of our social network comes from the workplace, so continuing to work can provide not just an income, but a sense of purpose, routine and connection. For some, it’s also about moving into something more rewarding or finding work that offers greater flexibility than their previous career.
“However, it’s important not to assume that everyone working into their 70s or 80s is doing so by choice. For many people who are still employed in their 70s and beyond, working later in life is a financial necessity.
“The cost of living, housing and other everyday expenses mean that some people simply cannot afford to stop working when they might otherwise choose to. As a result, some people are working well into their 70s or 80s with health conditions which can make long hours, shift work or physically intensive roles particularly difficult.”
Notes to Editors
*Based on a bespoke ONS report from Nomis in September 2026
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About Rest Less
Rest Less (restless.co.uk) launched in early 2019 and is a digital community for people in their 50s, 60s and beyond. Rest Less is on a mission to help its members get more out of life and offers content guidance and resources on topics spanning Jobs and Careers, Volunteering, Learning, Money, Health and Lifestyle and Dating.
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