This TAEN/LSE seminar will examine the evidence. Since the 2006 research by Waddell and Burton (Is Work Good for Your Health and Well-being?),  the received wisdom expressed on this issue has been that working later in good work is good for your health whilst, conversely, retirement, particularly early retirement, is damaging for your health. This seminar will be led by authorities in the field and will combine a high-level perspective with the opportunity for TAEN members to contribute.

Steve Bevan, Director the Work Foundation will explore issues of Job Quality, Meaning and the Case for Working Late. He will consider the arguments for working later drawing on work undertaken by the Work Foundation.

Sociologist Philipp Hessel of the LSE will explore the evidence from both sides and suggest that on the balance of evidence  retirement does not damage one’s health.

Stephen Balchin, Head of Strategy and Analysis for Extending Working Lives, Department for Work and Pensions, will discuss the evidence on the health benefits of working longer.

We expect a lively debate and contributions from the floor.

The seminar will be held at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA (14:30 - 17:00).