A survey of 500 businesses has found that more than a quarter of employers have introduced flexible working to support their ageing workforce.

Commissioned by Group Risk Development, the survey found that more than a fifth of employers said dealing with an ageing workforce was one of their three top priorities since the abolishment of the Default Retirement Age in October 2011.

Meanwhile, among the 1,000 employees questioned, more than a third said they would need to supplement their pension by continuing to work later in life.

Katharine Moxham, a spokesman for Group Risk Development, said: “It is encouraging to see some employers adjusting their policies, but the changes need to become more widespread. We still see a lot of employers that have not changed their benefit plans to accommodate older workers, so it’s worth revisiting benefit provision to ensure that it fully reflects the firm’s intentions around the needs of its ageing workforce.

“Small businesses should ensure that they fully understand the issues surrounding flexible working, as well as the advantages that such arrangements can offer. Providing a greater level of flexibility may be vital in ensuring that high-quality talent and necessary skills can be brought into and retained by an organisation.”