The state pension age is currently 66 and will rise starting in April 2026, reaching 67 by April 2028, according to government plans. This increase was accelerated by eight years through the 2014 Act due to rising life expectancy. MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee have debated concerns that workers in demanding manual roles may become physically unable to work but still face years before accessing their state pension.
Jon Richards, assistant general secretary at UNISON, highlighted that ambulance workers have different retirement ages than police and fire workers, and ambulance workers face difficulties retiring early despite manual work. A UNISON survey found that the most frequent response from ambulance workers on what would persuade them to stay was a reduction in their retirement age. Many NHS staff, including ambulance crews, have their retirement age linked to the state pension age.
A 2024 GMB Union study found that 75% of ambulance workers who retired in 2023 did so before age 60. The retirement age for many police and fire service personnel is 60, with early pension access possible in certain circumstances. DWP minister Torsten Bell addressed the Work and Pensions Committee about upcoming changes to state pension qualifying criteria.
The committee asked Torsten Bell about how raising the state pension age might affect health and frailty, and what guidance the Government obtained from senior medical advisers. Torsten Bell said health considerations will be part of how the Government acts regarding pension decisions. Torsten Bell stated that the decision to increase the state pension age and accelerate it was taken by the last Government, and an impact assessment was published with the 2014 Act.
Torsten Bell acknowledged there are inequality challenges to consider when examining early access provisions for particular groups. Torsten Bell discussed the concept of early access for people with a terminal illness. The committee discussed whether the Government should offer better workplace support to sectors it can influence most directly, such as health, social care, and education.
Jon Richards pointed out that initiatives in education often overlook support staff like cleaners and teaching assistants, who make up 50% of school staff.