Giving up work in your 50s is a wealthy indulgence that should be discouraged – the new pension commission needs to widen its remit
Early retirement is a wealthy indulgence that needs to be discouraged. As a minimum, ministers should strip away any inducement offered by the tax system for people who want to retire in their 50s.
Every western country needs their more mature workers to keep going, if not full time, then part time. And if not paid work, then unpaid voluntary work that acknowledges the luck that flows from being a 21st-century baby boomer in good health.
Communities, regions and countries cannot afford for older people to pack up and head for the golf course, or worse, book a permanent cruise and spend their cash in international waters.
Last week, the government convened a pensions commission to consider a narrow question: how to boost the incomes of lower-paid workers in retirement.
