Too old to care? How can older people care for the elderly? Inset – Len McCluskey speaking out about the wrongs of late retirement
All just too late
At 67 most people realistically can’t do their job as easily as before. Is working till you’re 68 just too late?
The car maker’s story “Working to 68 in the car industry would be impossible to achieve. The high level line rate at JLR means it would be impossible for someone of that age to keep up. Initiatives like improving attendance rates would be pointless, as more workers would need more time off sick. Retiring at 68 would create more problems than solutions and I believe would be detrimental to the industry.”
Bob Nason, Unite senior steward, Jaguar Land Rover, West Midlands
The bus driver’s story “Conditions are hard for drivers. Since deregulation drivers need to work longer hours to earn a decent wage. Drivers work on average 60 hours a week, so it’s difficult to maintain this over 65 years of age.
“Research has shown bus drivers in general die younger. I’m sure all the stresses and strains of doing this job till you’re 68 would kill you off even earlier.”
Frank Llewlellyn, chair, Unite passenger services national committee, and bus driver, Manchester
The health visitor’s story “We have to carry equipment from our cars into homes, often involving a lengthy walk, up flights of stairs. Our work involves floor play with children under five and standing for long periods.
“Community nurses’ work involves a lot of moving and handling/kneeling and carrying out of intricate procedures using fine tools. With weakened eyesight, hearing and manipulation skills from wear and tear on joints these tasks are all the more difficult.”
Carolyn Taylor, vice chair of Unite’s community practitioners, and health visitor, South Tyneside
The grandparent’s story “I’ll be 55 this year, and now the government wants me to work until I’m 66. I had planned to reduce my hours at 60 to help my daughter with her childcare so she could get back into work. She’s unable to return to work now from the prohibitive cost of childcare for her two children.
“Now I won’t be able to help her, she won’t be able to afford to return to work, get a job, pay tax, contribute to the cost of pensions. Everyone loses.”
Yvonne Swingler, Unite acting regional women’s organiser, West Midlands
21 uniteWORKS March/April 2011
Philip Wolmuth/
www.reportdigital.co.uk. Inset: Mark Thomas
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