Ready to retire?

Retirement is something we all have to think about.

Currently, the UK State Pension Age is scheduled to reach 67 by 2028. There are further reports of another gradual rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for those born in or after 1977. This prospect has sparked widespread concern, particularly among those already struggling to plan for retirement amid financial hardship. 

Charity Age UK has previously voiced strong opposition to these proposed changes, warning that accelerating the pension age increase “will condemn millions to a miserable and impoverished run-up to retirement – and often beyond.” Alarming statistics back their concerns: when the state pension age rose from 65 to 66 in 2020, nearly 100,000 65-year-olds fell into poverty. With inflation disproportionately impacting older households—who spend a higher proportion of their income on rapidly rising essentials like heating and food—these numbers are expected to climb even higher. 

For individuals like Gordon, a 75-year-old Big Issue North vendor outside Manchester’s Victoria Station, the reality of working beyond retirement age is all too familiar. Having sold the magazine for around 15 years, Gordon explains, “The reason I’m still working? It helps me pay for some of my bills and for life insurance, which I have so I can leave my sons something when I go.” 

“The reason I’m still working? It helps me pay for some of my bills and for life insurance, which I have so I can leave my sons something when I go.” 

Previously based outside Sainsbury’s in Heaton Park, Gordon recently moved to Victoria Station. Adjusting to a new pitch hasn’t been easy: “It’s been a struggle because I don’t have any regular customers at the moment. Everyone seems to race out of the station in the morning and race in at night, so it’s quite difficult to sell here. But another vendor told me that if I stand here long enough, eventually people will get used to seeing me.” 

Gordon is far from alone. Around one-fifth of Big Issue North vendors are now over 50, a significant rise from just 2% in 2004. While the oldest vendor in 2004 was 65, several are now in their late 60s and 70s, reflecting a growing trend of older workers returning to the workforce. Dubbed ‘unretirement,’ data from the Office for National Statistics shows increasing economic activity among the over-50s, with those over 65 making up more than half of the total increase. 

For many, selling The Big Issue provides an essential income boost, helping cover everything from rent to groceries in the face of rising costs. Some, like Gordon, have been long-time vendors, while others have turned to the magazine as a lifeline after finding mainstream employment opportunities scarce. 

72year old Bjorn sells the magazine in Leeds: “My pension is very, very low, so selling the magazine helps me to earn a bit extra. Also, when I am over here, I’m not always needed to look after my grandson, if he is in school, for example, so I had to find something else to do. And I wanted to keep on training my English. I am kind of a social guy and this is a nice way to get out and meet people.” 

Gordon also highlights an additional positive aspect of his work: “I’m keeping my mind occupied and still earning a little bit of money as well. If I were to sit down and watch that daytime television every day, I’d go round the bend!” 

As the pension age rises and financial pressures grow, Big Issue North continues to provide a vital source of income and support for people of all ages. We want to ensure dignity, purpose, and a bright future for those facing retirement challenges. 

This Christmas, we are supporting our vendors to earn a little extra through the sale of our 2025 calendar, on sale from local vendors and via our online shop, and through our exclusive Stanley Chow x Stand4Socks festive socks. If you would like to give more, you can visit justgiving.com/bigissuenorth or text BINORTH to 70970 to give £5. 

All proceeds raised go directly to vendors or to support the Big Issue North Trust (registered charity 1056041) to get more people working, not begging, and to provide support including access to accommodation, education and skills training, ID and card readers, home furnishing packages and much more.