Slingsby - a workplace equipment supplier - has seen an increasing demand in recent years for health & safety products that specifically appeal to an ageing workforce.

Research from the Office for National Statistics shows the number of over-65s in work is now at the highest level since records began in 1992, with almost one in 10 people in this age group now employed.

Slingsby has seen customers increasingly order products directed to older workers, such as specialist handling equipment that requires little effort from the operator.

The company suggests employers promote a healthy work environment, as the number of pensioners with jobs has reached over one million.

The considerations include: carrying out risk assessments routinely; offering job sharing for older workers; and encouraging employees to stretch before a manual job.

Lee Wright, marketing director at Slingsby, said: “Life expectancy has increased significantly in recent decades, and as there is now no longer an official retirement age it’s no surprise that the UK has an aging workforce. 

“It’s likely that some people don’t want to retire because they enjoy their jobs and going to work keeps them busy or they enjoy the social interaction. Others might carry on working because they can’t afford to give up work and retire. In addition, the state pension age is increasing and by 2020 it will be 66 for both men and women and then 67 by 2028 so an aging workforce is a trend that will definitely continue.

“There is a common misconception that age limits a persons’ ability to work effectively, but generally this isn’t the case and any loss of speed, or other similar skills, will usually be compensated in other areas.”