In the 1960s there were 20 people of working age for every pensioner. Now, you’ve got fewer than three.

Original publisher’s rating

Based on the most recently available statistics, there are slightly more than three working age people for every pensioner in the UK. It is projected to fall below three in the decades to come. This has reduced since the introduction of the basic state pension in 1948, when it was around five working age people per pensioner. During Mr Campbell’s youth in the 1960s it was a ratio of around 4:1. If Mr Stewart places the creation of the welfare state in the early 20th century when the first state pension was established, then his figure appears to be broadly accurate.

Reviewed by PA Media ↗ · December 6, 2024