Age in context, labour market overview

There were 13.2 million people aged 50 and above in the UK in 2023, representing just under one third (31%) of the total working age population at that time. Of those aged 50 and above, 71% were in work, 27% were classed as inactive and 2% were unemployed (compared with figures of 77%, 19% and 4% respectively for those aged 16-49).

Age and economic activity of the working aged population (2023)

Source: Analysis of ONS Quarterly Labour Force Survey by BCS
* includes a small number of individuals in work but not as employees / self-employed (i.e., <1% of the total)

The level of representation for individuals aged 50 and above within the workforce was marginally lower during 2023 (30%) whilst ‘older workers’ accounted for a much lower proportion of the unemployed – 19% in this case.

When considering individuals that were inactive however, those aged 50 and above accounted for almost four in ten (39%) of the inactive population during 2023 – this high level of representation is due largely to the above-average proportion that were retired from work.