The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed there are no plans to lower the State Pension age, responding to a petition backed by more than 18,100 people that called for older workers to retire earlier to create jobs for younger adults.
The petition, created by Helen Grice on the UK Parliament website, passed the 10,000-signature threshold needed to trigger a formal Government response. It argues that lowering the State Pension age could encourage retirement, prompting employers to recruit younger workers to fill vacant positions.
Government response and rationale
In its response dated October 12, the DWP stated: "The Government has no plans to lower the State Pension age." The department cited increasing life expectancy across the UK, noting that men aged 66 in 2026 can expect to live for another 19.3 years on average, while women of the same age can expect a further 21.9 years.
The DWP added: "State Pension age policy takes account of the fact that people are living longer and our society is ageing, with some rises being necessary to maintain fairness between generations, protect the public finances, and strengthen the State Pension by ensuring it will be there for decades to come."
State Pension age review underway
The department confirmed that the third State Pension age review is currently underway. It stated: "The Third State Pension age Review is currently underway and will decide what State Pension age is appropriate for future decades, balancing considerations of fairness and sustainability." The review will consider a wide range of evidence, including an independent report from Dr Suzy Morrissey.
Support for younger workers
Addressing concerns about employment opportunities for young adults, the DWP highlighted Government investment in programmes designed to help younger people enter work. The department stated: "With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind."
An additional £2.5 billion is being invested by 2029 through the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy. The UK Government expects the funding to support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. Measures outlined in the response include a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant, a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers, additional work experience and training opportunities, and a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed people aged 18 to 24. The investment also includes an expanded network of Youth Hubs and earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway.
Current State Pension age changes
The State Pension age started gradually increasing from 66 to 67 in April 2026, with the transition continuing until March 2028. This affects people born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, who will reach State Pension age at different points between their 66th and 67th birthdays. People born from March 6, 1961 through to April 5, 1977 have a State Pension age of 67 under the current timetable.
Under existing legislation, the State Pension age is scheduled to increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, the ongoing review will consider whether changes are needed to the future timetable. The petition remains open for signatures until December 25, 2026, and if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
