Ireland Sees 40% Rise in Workers Over 66 Since 2020, Reaching 108,300 by 2025
Ireland has seen a 40% increase in workers over 66 since 2020, reaching 108,300 by 2025, driven by financial necessity. This rise has led to a 24% increase in age discrimination cases. A new law will limit mandatory retirement below 66, urging employers to adapt to a multigenerational workforce.
The number of people in Ireland working past age 66 has increased by 40% since 2020, rising from 77,300 to 108,300 by the end of 2025. This data, based on Central Statistics Office figures, was reported by employment law firm Littler.
Barry Reynolds, partner at Littler Dublin, noted that working beyond retirement age is becoming a financial necessity for many, requiring employers to manage requests for longer working and increasingly age-diverse teams. Age discrimination cases in Ireland rose 24% to 218 in 2024, often related to mishandled longer working requests.
A new law expected this year will limit employers' ability to enforce retirement below age 66, encouraging capable employees to continue working. Reynolds emphasized that employers must ensure policies reflect a modern, multigenerational workforce and address intergenerational friction and age discrimination, which carries significant legal risks. Mentoring programs can help reduce these risks.