Working until 70, government policy, economic need and the role of ergonomics and occupational health

Within the UK, there are currently 2.7 million individuals between 50 and retirement age who are not working and almost half are dependent on incapacity benefit. The costs of this are estimated between £19 and £31 billion. There has been discussion within the UK to try and extend working life, however, the current parliament wishes to examine all factors before coming to any decisions. A number of barriers to work have been identified and several government initiatives are also in progress: some of them have been found to be successful in returning people to work; others have yet to be evaluated. The role of ergonomics and occupational health in keeping older people at work is being encouraged at a national level via the Securing Health Together strategy for Occupational Health. However, ergonomics and occupational health can link together health promotion, rehabilitation and workplace design. It is essential that a multidisciplinary approach be taken in managing this in terms of research and dissemination of results. Educationalists also have a role in ensuring that academic curricula are used to inform health professionals and employers.