Vince Cable Pensioners should go back to work

Chestnut

I think everyone has missed the point that this young man was put on the programme just to put a controversial and opposing viewpoint in order to generate discussion, which seems to have worked. I have seen some discussions on GMB and that seems to be what they do. The guests often have extreme views which make for a good battle!

Precisely what I said at 8 am this morning.

Personally I don't think that the value we bring to the workplace has anything to do with longevity. Surely most people give 100% to their job and show total commitment while their health and energy levels allows. I'm not sure the same stamina and vibrancy can be expected in later years, and for that reason I would think that I was no longer performing to my full capacity. Not lazy, more burnt out!

growstuff Thank you for that extended report of the article.

But one thing still remains undealt with in the article, bar a throwaway sentence at the end and that is the contribution that unpaid voluntary work makes to the economy. It is easy to talk glibly about people doing unpaid, jobs that people could be paid for, but we are moving towards an era of lowbirth rates and declining populations. It is the worldwide increase in longevity that is causing our current growth in population, not excess births. Outside Africa, most countries are down to replacement level family sizes.

We have at the moment too many jobs chasing to few people and in sectors like transport this is driving (sorry) up the wages and improving the conditions of lorry drivers. The same will inevitably happen with care workers. Most of us involved in childcare, or the care of adults are doing jobs that there are not people willing or able to do.

Many older people do now work. DH has not fully left the world of work at 78. But he has been self-employed and has complete control over how much work he does and when. Those of us whose employment is not suited to self-employment, may feel disinclined to take on a regular commitment when there are demands of other kinds on us and, even for the young retired, stamina starts dropping and you are easily tired.

You are right Monica

Apart from the unpaid work that many retired folk do, lots of us do work after retirement age, although it is easier if you can be part-time, work flexible hours or be self employed.

I became self employed in my fifties and was very driven during my fifties and sixties, often working very long hours to meet deadlines.

I did intend to retire at 75 but, looking back, I did slow down after 70. and so retired at 73. I still feel a bit of a slacker.

Retired and took on childcare for DGS2 2 days a week 10 hours a day (then 7 months old) and DGS1 and DGD 2 days a week (then 5 and 1 ½ ) 9/10 hours a day. Very good - go back to work! On the 1 day left or at the weekend? Thankfully there is a bit less as children have got older 1 day 9 hours DGS2 (now 3) and 1 day sometimes 2 for DGS1 and DGD (now 8 and 4) 4 and 5 hours a day. No LauraNorderr few childminders fit in with the hours (nursing and teaching early primary - both DD's leave at 7am and it is only less now as there is local authority care for 30 hours a week for children under 5. I also care for my mother (86) registered blind and short term memory loss - see her twice a week. She has help 1 day a week for cleaning - that's all and no way would I want her in a home these Covid days. DH has had a stroke and though can care for himself - there are pills I look after, exercises and walks.

I’ve always tried to keep myself as fit and healthy as possible but if I worked now I would literally have to go straight to bed after leaving work: I get so tired.

MOnica It's refreshing to have a sensible debate on the issues rather than a kneejerk reaction.

Personally, I think Vince Cable raises some valid issues (forget the pipsqueak from The Apprentice).

Many people can and do continue with work beyond state retirement age. Cable does mention that there could be more flexible opportunities - for people to work part-time, for example. I think that many people would welcome the opportunity to work one or two days a week in a variety of roles. It would need some "thinking outside the box", but I can see benefits for the people themselves and for society and the economy.

MayBee70

I’ve always tried to keep myself as fit and healthy as possible but if I worked now I would literally have to go straight to bed after leaving work: I get so tired.

I don't know what kind of work you did, but there are probably opportunities somewhere for you to contribute the knowledge and skills you acquired in a limited capacity, without having to go out to work every day.

I certainly couldn't do a full-time teaching job in a school, but I've found ways of earning money without even having to leave my home office. I love what I do in a way I never loved my past career.

I think many pension aged people would be willing to work part time if there were flexible jobs available. Normally in our last 10 years of working, we are at the max allowable vacation scale, and many of us have more discretionary income; for going away on vacation, spending January in the sun, taking a few weeks to visit family when they need us. We don't want to give up the flexibility we have earned.

Case in point my brother, who is a long distance bus driver. His typical day was start at 6, did a 3 hour run and turn around, to be home by dinner. Covid put a stop to that run, which typically was geared to tourists. His only other option with his company is charters, which often means overnighting in a hotel. He doesn't want that job, so has taken a leave and is looking for something else. He would gladly work part time, but most trucking/bus jobs call for 10 hour days. He is late 50's and wants to work less, not more. He is contemplating early retirement. Such a shame when there is a shortage of drivers everywhere.

My DH had the same issue. Phased out of his job in early 50's, but all offers at his skill level were looking for young blood, and did not offer any flexibility. He took his buy-out and retired early.

I hear very many similar stories. So many in health care retiring early because they cannot do 12 hour shifts. Perhaps try 6 hour shifts? Unfortunately, management seems to be a bit blind and not think outside the box at times.

growstuff, it is isn't it? I suppose because the subject is pertinent to most of us, but not a party political topic. It is a pity it cannot happen more.

I'm certainly still working full-time, although I'm not 60 yet. I also now look after my DGS full-time, since I work from home.

I'd like to see Vince Cable teach 'challenging' groups of students online while also dealing with a toddler, toileting, entertaining, feeding etc.

Its a wind up...its a saturday and a slow news day so lets get people on and have an argument.

It's yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news, greenlady102

In fact, yesterday's TV I think.

I would go back to work as a “consultant” to mentor the more inexperienced staff who could do with a guide. I was a midwife for 30 odd years and was glad to leave behind all the nonsense and paperwork that took us away from the important people -the families we cared for- it seemed that keeping the trust happy was more important than the women. I would be happy to help, but the NHS do not appreciate experience, and I am sure many other companies are the same.

If we went back to work we would be accused of taking young people's jobs. We can't win.

I don't know what kind of work you did, but there are probably opportunities somewhere for you to contribute the knowledge and skills you acquired in a limited capacity, without having to go out to work every day.

There may be but the point I was trying to make is that, if someone wants to retire at retirement age, their skills will be much welcomed in other voluntary areas, they may want to further their knowledge by joining or running groups such as U3A etc.

Or providing childcare so that their children can work, pay their bills, build their careers.

Some may still want to work for various reasons but no-on should feel lazy for retiring at the State Pension age, should they? Particularly if they have worked in a physically demanding or stressful job.

They are not being lazy! which is what was being claimed by these two.

Their skills and expertise are not being wasted and they shouldn't have to feel at all guilty.

Personally, I think Vince Cable raises some valid issues (forget the pipsqueak from The Apprentice).

I'm trying to forget him, growstuff but his face has become like an earworm
Uuuurgh!

that is disgusting!!! We have paid in all our working life on the understanding that we will get a pension so we should be able to retire when we like, Vince is a Lib Dem and like their bedfellows Tories hates giving money to what they see as ordinary people, they like spending big money on private companies like Serco, even though our pension is not a benefit but something we've paid for

Fritherdog“ and was glad to leave behind all the nonsense and paperwork that took us away from the important people -”

Ain’t that the truth ! Exactly the same in teaching .

Why pick on those who have earned their pensions? Why not tackle those who have not done a day's work and survive on benefits, surely they are the ones who should be working!!

I too saw this clip, I’m almost 63 still working from home and saw this clip in an early lunchtime. I have brought up four children and brought up four children and aside from very short periods of time have worked full time. I’m also a primary care for my elderly disabled Mum ! And to top it all a “waspi” I’ll be honest I don’t agree with Mr Cable and whilst it’s fine to have the choice, many of us have health condition. I agree with Nina and I actually feel the young man in question needs a good slap !

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Perhaps if older workers were allowed a siesta at work it might be possible, after all, some jobs allow it:

We pensioners do not need to defend ourselves for being out of the workforce. Ryan-Mark Parsons is one of those who make a career out of being controversial and provoking angry reactions. Another former Apprentice candidate (2007), Katie Hopkins, is in the same mould. She became a right-wing commentator and is often in the news for her preposterous statements and behaviour. These people are best ignored.

Calistemon

It's yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news, greenlady102

In fact, yesterday's TV I think.

hahaha

I’m 68 and happily working part time, at home, doing something I enjoy. Going “out” to work full time would kill me off. Maybe that’s what they want?