UK participation rate: aged 65 and over
UK participation rate: aged 65 and over stood at 13.14% in 2025, according to International Labour Organization (ILOSTAT). It is one of the indicators in the Labour force, ILO annual table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 1966 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Labour force, ILO annual table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation rate, Both sexes | |||||||||||
| Aged 65 and over | 13.14 | 12.18 | 11.63 | 11.33 | 10.92 | 11.07 | 11.44 | 10.68 | 10.32 | 10.89 | |
| Aged 15 and over | 62.84 | 62.04 | 62.23 | 62.22 | 62.2 | 62.83 | 62.94 | 62.89 | 62.7 | 62.72 |
Understanding UK participation rate: aged 65 and over
Economic engagement among the older population in the United Kingdom is measured by this series, which calculates the participation rate for individuals aged 65 and over who continue to work or actively seek employment. By extending past traditional retirement thresholds, this indicator captures the growing segment of older adults maintaining a formal link to the labour market through part-time roles, self-employment, or continued full-time careers. It differs fundamentally from pre-retirement and prime-age series by focusing on a demographic where economic inactivity is the overwhelming norm rather than the exception.
Reading this metric requires acknowledging the strong influence of longevity gains, shifting health status, and financial necessity on post-retirement working patterns. Revisions to early estimates frequently occur as administrative tax and pension records provide better post-census clarity on elderly migration and survival rates. Year-on-year comparisons are vital for identifying gradual cultural and economic shifts in retirement norms, as short-term quarterly or annual noise can obscure long-term trends. Analysts must avoid comparing absolute levels directly with younger cohorts, given that small numerical shifts in working seniors can represent significant percentage changes within a predominantly inactive population group.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this series include individuals receiving a state pension who also hold part-time jobs?
- Yes, pensioners who engage in any paid work or actively seek employment are included in the active labour force regardless of pension receipt.
- Why do year-on-year comparisons matter more than single-year fluctuations for this group?
- Working patterns among older adults evolve slowly over extended periods, making annual trends more informative than volatile short-term variations.
- How does self-employment skew participation in this advanced age category?
- Many older workers transition into flexible self-employment or consultancy rather than traditional employment, which is fully captured if they remain active.