Catherine O'Flynn

The firm is warning employers to prepare for an ageing workforce by implementing age-diverse policies and initiatives.

According to survey findings published in William Fry’s Employment Report 2019: Age in the Workplace, nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of employees believe they will have to work past age 66 while only a third (32 per cent) would like to work beyond that age.

The survey also found that nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of employees believe older workers are inhibited by technological change.

Catherine O’Flynn, head of the firm’s employment and benefits department, said: “According to recent CSO figures, there are 76,000 workers over the age of 65 in the Irish workforce, up from 69,000 in the previous 12 months. Factors driving these changes include improved longevity, higher living costs and delayed receipt of State pension.

“With the majority of employees believing that they will have to work longer than ever before, now is the time for employers to act and prepare for a more age-diverse workplace.”

She added: “Irish employers have introduced age-diverse policies and initiatives, such as raising the age of retirement, physically adapting the workplace, and aligning retirement age with the State pension age. However, all employers in Ireland need to plan for employees wishing to work beyond 66 years old.

“When this growing trend is added to the significant increase in age-related disputes before the Workplace Relations Commission, many employers may be unnecessarily exposing themselves to legal risk.”