The DWP has launched a new action plan to help older workers stay in the workplace. The government's new measures to support the economy, workers and businesses are set out in Fuller Working Lives – a framework for action. According to Office for National Statistics estimates, in the next 10 years there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16 to 49 but 3.7 million more people aged between 50 and State Pension age a fundamental shift in the age distribution of the UK workforce which the government believe industry cannot ignore. The new measures in the action plan include the extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees from 30 June 2014, together with the appointment of a new Older Workers Employment Champion and the launch of a new Health and Work Service which will give workers with long-term health problems the support they need to stay in or return to work.

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