Half a million over‑50s want work but are blocked

The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that 585,000 people aged 50‑64 are without work yet wish to be employed. Ill health, disability and caring responsibilities are the main barriers, with women disproportionately affected. The report highlights a growing employment rate among older wo…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:58:24 GMT

In a recent Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) analysis, it was found that 585,000 people aged 50 to 64 in the United Kingdom are currently out of work yet express a desire to be employed. The figure represents a 2 % rise from the previous year, adding 13,000 to the total number of older workers who are willing or want to work but are unable to secure a job.

Health and Disability as Key Barriers

Nearly two thirds of the unemployed cohort—62 % or 363,870 individuals—reported that they were not actively looking for work because of sickness, injury or disability. This highlights the significant impact that health conditions have on the ability of older workers to re‑enter the labour market. The data suggest that many of these workers are not simply choosing not to work, but are prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond their control.

Family Care and Gender Disparities

Family responsibilities also play a substantial role. Sixteen per cent of those classified as economically inactive but willing to work said they were “looking after home or family.” The gender gap is stark: 29 % of over‑50s women are economically inactive compared with 22.2 % of men. Women are twice as likely as men to cite caring responsibilities as the main reason for not seeking work, with 16.5 % of women versus 7.4 % of men reporting this. These figures underscore the continuing challenges faced by older women in balancing employment and family duties.

Employment Trends Among Older Workers

Despite the obstacles, the overall employment rate for people aged 50 to 64 has risen to 72.2 %, up from 66 % in 2025. This rate is close to the record high observed in 2019, indicating that more older workers are staying in or re‑entering the workforce. The average age at which women leave the labour market has reached a new record high of 65.1 years, up from 64.7 years in 2025, while the average age for men remains unchanged at 65.8 years.

Policy Responses and Employer Support

Minister for Employment Andrew Western acknowledged the value of this experienced workforce, noting that employers are “crying out” for the skills and knowledge that older workers bring. He outlined ongoing efforts to improve the support infrastructure for older job seekers, including a comprehensive overhaul of Jobcentre services and the introduction of mid‑life “MOTs” (mid‑life occupational transition programmes). The government is also working with employers to enhance workplace accommodations for women experiencing menopause symptoms, aiming to reduce the impact of health‑related barriers on employment.

Financial Implications for Individuals

Personal finance specialist Marianna Hunt from Fidelity International warned that prolonged periods out of work can have severe long‑term financial consequences. “Every additional year out of work means one less year of earning and saving into a pension, one less year for investments to grow, and one more year of retirement to fund,” she said. Early retirement that is not financially viable can force individuals into a precarious situation, especially as state pension ages rise and life expectancy increases.

What Happens Next?

While the DWP report provides a snapshot of the current situation, it leaves several questions unanswered. The extent to which the new Jobcentre reforms and mid‑life support programmes will translate into tangible employment outcomes remains to be seen. Additionally, the long‑term impact of health and family responsibilities on the employment trajectories of older workers will require ongoing monitoring.

In the coming months, policymakers and employers will need to collaborate closely to ensure that the growing cohort of willing but blocked older workers receives the necessary support. This includes improving accessibility to health services, creating flexible working arrangements, and addressing the specific needs of older women who balance caregiving with career aspirations.

Key facts

585,000 50‑64‑year‑olds want work but cannot
Health issues block 62 % of the unemployed group
Women face higher inactivity and caregiving rates
Employment rate for 50‑64‑olds up to 72.2 %
Government plans Jobcentre overhaul and mid‑life support

Why it matters

The findings reveal a sizable group of experienced workers who are unable to contribute to the economy, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address health, caregiving, and gender disparities.