Income development of older people : consequences of pension reforms and unstable careers in the UK

Abstract

The article examines the life phases of older British employees before and after retirement. In particular, institutional and historic changes and developments are taken into consideration. It becomes apparent that the changes on the labour market and the pension reforms have different consequences for certain groups. While no deterioration in the course of their profession can be ascertained for the highly educated, and their income situation in respect to pensions has even improved over time, those with lower levels of qualifications have a dual problem: on account of technical change, their situation in gainful employment has deteriorated; in addition, the most recent market-orientated reforms have had a negative effect on the level of pensions, as pension systems are designed to suit typically male employment careers where employment is full-time. (IAB)

Cite article

Schmelzer, P. (2011): Income development of older people. Consequences of pension reforms and unstable careers in the UK. In: H.- P. Blossfeld, S. Buchholz & K. Kurz (Hrsg.) (2011): Ageing populations, globalization and the labor market : comparing late working life and retirement in modern societies, p. 259-282.