I don't think that those with a reasonable workplace pension or other private means should take jobs from the younger generation. The govt should concentrate on improving the education and training systems so that young people are able to contribute efficiently to the workforce, also the jobs need to be there for them.
I also think that there should be opportunities for retired people to share their skills and experience, on a casual, voluntary basis, with younger people, whether it be DIY, cooking, parenthood, budgeting, mending, etc. I for one, would be willing to do this. Another possible opportunity for older people could be inspection; eg Appropriately qualified pensioners could be used as school inspectors, others could form groups to spot check hospitals and care homes. They could be minimally organised and given guidelines and training, background checked etc, and then be authorised do spot checks in their locality.
But for others who only are on a state pension, a simple re training to update their skills, if needed, to enable them to work full or part time, would be helpful. It would allow someone retiring at 65 facing perhaps 15+ years of life on £150 a week, the opportunity to have a cheap holiday and pay for occasional repairs/renewals etc
I am 69 and have just gone back to work after 3 years of retirement, for one day a week, and I love both the job and the spending money!
