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Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said:

“The links between poverty‚ ill-health and dying younger are undeniable. Yet hikes to living costs‚ rising pensioner poverty‚ and low benefit take-up are all leaving millions of pensioners struggling to make ends meet.

“Many pensioners want to work longer to supplement their income or simply because they enjoy working. Yet many find they are unfairly forced out of work simply because of their age.

“To protect the most vulnerable older people the Government must do much more to get vital benefits cash to those who need it most. A key part of achieving this is moving towards a system of automatic benefits payments. To ensure those who want to work longer can do so‚ the Government must abolish Mandatory Retirement Ages and employers should offer flexible working.”

 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• To find out what benefits are available‚ who is entitled and how to claim‚ older people‚ their family or friends should contact Age Concern’s freephone information line - 0800 00 99 66 – for a free benefits guide.