Autotech Recruit has highlighted a growing trend in the automotive sector for older people to delay retirement or return to the workforce.
Driven by rising living costs and the desire to stay active, the Great Unretirement has seen the number of people over the age of 65 in employment increase by a million since 2000. Meanwhile, 11% of the population now works beyond 65, which is double what it was then.
Autotech Recruit alone employs more than 30 contractors over the age of 60, with contracts tailored to suit their needs.
The company’s oldest contractor, Geoff, has just turned 80 but is still working as a contract MOT tester, sharing his experience to help shape the next generation of talent in automotive.
Simon King, CEO, Autotech Group, said: “Geoff’s ongoing commitment at 80 is more than just a feel-good milestone, it’s a call to action for the automotive industry to rethink how it supports and retains older workers, not just for their productivity, but for the deep reservoirs of insight, reliability, and mentorship they bring.”
Great Unretirement
Another example of this trend is John, who ran his own MOT centre for 25 years before selling the business and stepping into full-time contracting.
He said:
“After selling my garage I found it difficult to settle in one place. When I heard about contracting, I felt it was the perfect solution. My weekends are my own now. I enjoy working in the garden most weekends, and I still get to do the work I love.”
