Unemployment levels amongst women aged 65 and over have increased from 7,200 to 21,000 in a year (March-May 2020 versus March-May 2021) – an increase of nearly 200% according to Restless the older workers organisation (https://restless.co.uk/press/the-number-of-unemployed-women-aged-65-increases-by-193-in-a-year-and-reaches-record-levels/)

The Number of Unemployed Women Aged 65+ Increases by 193% in a Year and Reaches Record Levels – Rest LessUnemployment levels amongst women aged 65 and over have increased from 7,200 to 21,000 in a year (March-May 2020 versus March-May 2021) – an increase of 193%, according to analysis of the latest government labour market data by Rest Less. Economic activity levels (the number of people actively working or looking for work) amongst womenrestless.co.uk

Also the number of people actively working or looking for work amongst women aged over 65 are also on the decline following the pandemic.

The number of women aged 65 and older who are now unemployed outstrips the number of men of the same age for the first time since 2016. The number of women aged 65 and older who are now unemployed outstrips the number of men of the same age for the first time since 2016. 

The report’s authors say that  “There are far too many women in their 60s stuck between a rock and a hard place. They can’t find a job due to rampant age discrimination but they can’t yet claim their state pension either – which puts them in an extremely vulnerable financial position as they approach retirement.”

In London, Wise Age is campaigning for better employment support for older workers particularly women. Despite media stories about the economy picking up for employees, this isn’t the case for many older workers.