Data released by Smart Pension, shows a leaning towards a more flexible approach to retirement, with 44% of people aged 50 to 65 keen to keep going with some form of paid work after they would be expected to call it a day.

Smart Pension director of policy Joe Dabrowski is hoping this week’s Budget will have positive news on that front.

“Our research shows that many people want to continue working in some form as they get older,” he said.

“With more than 850,000 people aged over 50 currently out of work but wanting a job, there is a real opportunity here.

“Helping more people work later in life could mean better retirement incomes, stronger finances for households and a boost to the wider economy.

“Politicians should be looking at how to make working later in life easier for those who want to, including understanding and addressing the barriers that pension and tax rules may create.

“As ministers consider pension policy, it’s vital that they take a long-term view and think carefully about how their decisions will affect people’s choices in later life.”

As reported in Pensions Age, the survey of more than 3,000 adults also showed that nearly a third (32%) of Britons believe pension or tax rules are a ‘barrier’ to continuing paid work in later life.

“As ministers consider pension policy, it’s vital they take a long-term view and think carefully about how their decisions will affect people’s choices in later life,” added Mr Dabrowski.