HC Deb 17 June 2002 vol 387 c88W
Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent research he has carried out into flexible retirement. [62796]

Mr. McCartney

A research report, "Flexible Retirement—a snapshot of large employer's initiatives" has been published today and copies placed in the Library.

The report was produced on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions by the Employers Forum on Age. It explores early steps taken by a number of large employing organisations to introduce more flexible retirement policies.

It forms part of the research carried out for the Age Positive campaign. The campaign promotes to employers the benefits of an age-diverse workforce, and encourages the recruitment and retention of older workers and the adoption of flexible working practices. Evidence from the campaign shows that the business benefits of employing older workers include reduced absenteeism, reduced shrinkage, reduced staff turnover and higher productivity.