Age Cymru’s response to the IFS report

Age Cymru's response to the IFS report: Can't wait to get my pension: the effect of raising the female state pension age on income, poverty and deprivation" 

Age Cymru's deputy chief executive, Victoria Lloyd said: 

"It is a huge concern for us that the increase in the state pension age is adversely affecting older women in Wales already living in poorer households. 

"We would urge employers to look at ways of increasing flexibility in their employment conditions to accommodate the needs of all older workers who may need part-time working opportunities or less physically demanding work. 

"There also needs to be broad recognition that not all older people are able to carry on working as a result of health concerns or caring responsibilities; the changes are forcing people into a benefits regime that was not really designed for them, or a position in which they have to draw down savings put away to see them through their retirement. 

"The recent report by the Wales based Bevan Foundation found that more than 100,000 pensioners in Wales (18% of the overall total) are now living in poverty. 

"Clearly there is a duty for governments at all levels to act and ensure that older people are able to live their later lives with dignity and free from the stresses of poverty and financial worry." 

Ends.

Can't wait to get my pension: the effect of raising the female state pension age on income, poverty and deprivation" by Jonathan Cribb and Carl Emmerson will be published on the IFS website ifs.org.uk at 00.01 Weds 2 August 2017.

Response issued by: Michael Phillips

Communications Manager

029 2043 1545/ 07794 366 224