State Pension UK: Britons in limbo as more retire earlier due to COVID-19 pressures

He said: “For some older workers, the events of 2020 have helped them realise they want to spend more time at home, with their families and learning new skills and hobbies.

“Whereas for others, poor health and vulnerability may – sadly – have accelerated their retirement plans.

“While unemployment continues to rise, job losses may be another contributing factor to this drop in the number of people planning on working beyond retirement age, especially for those receiving or expecting redundancy payments.

“However, the shape of retirement is changing and so are the wants and needs of those approaching the next phase of their lives.