Since the state pension age was set in 1948, the UK has seen significant increases in life expectancy. People are living longer and so the cost of providing a pension is escalating. To ensure the State Pension age remains affordable and fair for all beyond 2028, the Government has appointed John Cridland CBE, to independently review the State Pension system. John Cridland has said: 

'The future of the State Pension age is a hugely important issue for this country. It must be fair and sustainable, and reflect changes in society. My interim report provides an insight into my developing thinking and poses a number of questions.'

Cridland recognises that the nature of work is changing and considers what retirement could look like beyond 2028. His interim report opens up an important discussion on alternatives to a universal State Pension age at a time when people are making the shift from living without a default retirement age to a more flexible approach, that may include a gradual reduction in hours or a complete career change.

Giving HR a voice

The CIPD is dedicated to playing a leading role in debates like these that are impacting the future of work. To ensure that HR's voice is truly represented at the highest levels, the CIPD regularly gathers opinions from HR professionals before engaging with ministers and other policy-makers. Currently, the CIPD is inviting feedback on the State Pension age before finalising its response to the Cridland consultation.

The CIPD’s ongoing commitment to influencing important decisions about workplace policy and regulation is revealed in its Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2016, which was published just a few days ago. The report details the impressive media coverage given to insights and commentary from CIPD experts on a broad variety of topics, which not only helps raise awareness and understanding of important HR and workplace topics, but also helps open doors with policy-makers. 

Another highlight is the launch of a Senior Policy Forum, chaired by former Business and Equalities Minister Jo Swinson, to formalise the opportunities for senior CIPD members to feed into engagement with policy-makers in the UK. One hundred and twenty senior HR directors from private, public and third sector organisations, including HSBC, the National Health Service and the British Heart Foundation, have contributed to the CIPD’s recommendations to policy-makers on the apprenticeship levy, the National Living Wage and productivity.