Labour tells people who have to wait longer for state pension to 'go to the job centre'

People who who will have to wait longer to claim their state pension have been encouraged to head to their job centre for a 'midelife review'. Millions of UK residents will see their state pension age increase from the current 66 up to 67 and then 68 over the coming years.

Labour was asked in a parliamentary question by South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson about what support the DWP has in his region for women affected by the rise in the state pension age. DWP minister Alison McGovern provided a response outlining the Government's efforts to help people stay in work for longer.

She said: "DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes.

"A dedicated offer for older workers seeks to provide tailored support for those affected by low confidence, menopause, health and disability or caring pressures, and out of date skills or qualifications."

She pointed to a particular programme to help older people stay in work: "Through midlife reviews, delivered in Jobcentres across the UK, and online, we support older people to assess their health, finances and skills.

"In South Shropshire, Employer and Partnership Teams in Jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers."

The Government has an , aimed at people aged 45 to 65, to help individuals plan ahead for their later years.

This includes help with planning your retirement finances and budgeting, and managing your private pensions and understanding your state pension entitlement.

Ms McGovern also said the Government has appointed a Menopause Employment Ambassador who will work with employers to improve workplace support for women experiencing monopause and other women's health issues.

Women's health campaigner Mariella Frostrup was appointed to the position last year. Some 70% of women in employment aged 40 to 60 say experiencing menopaus symptoms has negatively affected them in their work.

State pension payments increased 4.1% this month, with the full new state pension now paying £230.25 a week, or £11,973 a year.

One concern with the rising payments is that the state pension will soon become subject to income tax, with the full new state pension only £600 away from using up the tax-free personal allowance, currently set at £12,570 a year. The personal allowance is frozen at its current levels until 2028.

State pension payments increase each April in line with the triple lock policy, which Labour has committed to keeping in place for the duration of this Government.

The triple lock ensures the state pension goes up in line with the highest of 2.5%, the rise in average earnings or inflation. This April, rates increased 4.1% in line with the growth in earnings measure.