Saving enough for retirement is drummed into people from an early age – yet a number of people in their 50s say they are unable to gain employment, despite consistently applying for jobs.
Alan Fitton, 58, has been struggling to find a job since 2017.
He worked as a bus driver but had to give the job up after being diagnosed with severe cardiomyopathy. After completing courses, Alan took on part-time roles as a teaching assistant at schools for children with additional needs and was paid £350 a month.
A contract with one school ended in 2017 and Alan has not worked since, despite wanting to.
Alan, who lives in Stalybridge, has completed various courses in criminology and psychology and has £100,000 worth of student finance debt.
Since 2017, Alan has applied to more than 3,000 jobs, focusing on civil service and customer service roles, as well as jobs in schools. The pay available is typically £25,000 to £50,000.
Alan said: “I have applied for more than 3,000 jobs and had zero interviews. This year alone, I have applied for 176 roles and had no success. I would say my lack of success is definitely down to my age. I’m 58 and have had health problems in the past.”
Alan said his unemployment has a “massive” impact on his finances and life. He relies on personal independence payments, universal credit, and employment support allowance, totalling £1,600 a month. He maxes out credit cards.
He said: “In theory, I could just put my feet up and claim benefits until I die. But that’s just not me. I just want a job that matches my experience and pays me properly.”
In the UK, approximately 2.9million people aged 50 to state pension age are neither in employment nor retired. Yet nearly one million people in this category want to work, the Centre for Ageing Better said.
Both younger and older people are falling victim to an increasingly automated job market and environment where firms want higher profits while spending less.
Marcus Coetzee, 54, said he has left ‘no stone unturned’ in his quest to find a job. Yet he has had zero interviews since moving from South Africa to Scotland with his wife in 2021.
In South Africa, Marcus worked in senior roles in sectors like economic development and social impact. He mentored young people and conducted multiple interviews himself.
“In the UK I am being locked out of the job market for senior roles. I can’t get my foot in the door, despite meeting all the criteria for roles I apply for”, Marcus told The i Paper.
Marcus takes a selective approach to applications and only applies for roles he matches the criteria for, focusing on consultancy level, strategy or chief executive positions. He has applied for 25 to 30 jobs since moving to the UK, with salaries ranging from £40,000 to £80,000.
Marcus does some work for the charity sector, but this is not full-time and makes him between £25,000 to £30,000 a year.
He said: “I was seen as a thought leader in South Africa, but in the UK I cannot find a role. I have signed up to nearly 30 recruitment agencies and have a career coach. Other people my age and with my experience are typically earning around £70,000.
“I can only speculate that age plays a factor in my applications being auto-rejected. For many senior roles, firms also already know who they want to fill the position.”
Marcus pays £800 a month for his “manageable” mortgage. But his job situation means he only adds £50 a month to a private pension. He has £40,000 in pensions.
“I have a lot to offer and want to contribute, but feel I am locked out of the job market. I follow the careers pages of 300 companies and am doing everything I can to find a role, including networking. My career coach is stumped.”
He added: “I will never be able to retire. I wouldn’t want to, but I also don’t have a choice financially. I see people working in the Costa I go to and they are earning the same as me and have more job security and benefits than I do. I have helped out at a food bank and can see myself having to use it when I am older.”
Others have had to take drastic action when unable to find work including Tina Chummun, 50, who used to work as a sales and marketing manager in a senior position at a company. Her contract ended in April 2024.
Tina, who lives in Northamptonshire, said: “I was upset and shaken when my contract ended. It was a real shock, and my biggest worry was keeping up with my mortgage and household bills. Work is a big part of my identity, so I questioned myself a great deal.”
Tina started looking and applying for jobs in marketing immediately. Tina is also an accredited trauma specialist psychotherapist and the founder of Care2Counsel Ltd. Because she also worked part-time as a psychotherapist, she was not eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Tina said: “Since 2024 I have applied for between 4,000 and 5,000 roles, spanning digital marketing, project management and psychotherapy, at every level of seniority and pay. The rejections were constant, and many felt automated. I’ve only had one interview this year. This has left me feeling upset, anxious and, at times, overwhelmed.
“When so many applications go unanswered, it’s hard not to conclude that age is a factor.”
Towards the end of 2025 and without a full-time job, Tina fell behind on her mortgage payments. The mortgage debt was “significant” and Tina knew something had to change. For a time, Tina’s mother had to help her financially.
Tina is selling the four-bed house she purchased single-handedly and plans to move to a rental property in Berkshire so she can reduce her outgoings and put herself on a more stable financial footing. Tina continues to grow Care2Counsel Ltd., which has a therapy arm and a business-to-business marketing arm.
To others facing a similar situation, Tina said: “Explore every avenue of support, and let the people around you help. Accepting support is not a failure.”
How people aged 50 or above can get ahead
There are steps people can take to improve their chances of securing a job.
Georgina Huntley, people and culture director at ManpowerGroup UK, said: “The reality is that finding a job at 50-plus is less about age and more about demonstrating relevance, adaptability and confidence.
“Jobseekers should be proud of the experience they bring and confident in the value they can offer an employer.
“Many workers over 50 have successfully adapted through decades of workplace change and have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to draw on.
“The key is making sure your CV, online profile and interview conversations focus on what you can contribute today and where you want to add value next, rather than simply reflecting on past achievements.
“Employers are looking for people who can make an impact and experience remains a real strength.”