What do older workers want? Gradual retirement?

In the context of government concern to raise the participation rates of those over 50 years of age this paper considers whether gradual retirement is a desirable and feasible option for older workers. It provides a review of current patterns of flexible employment in the age group 50+ and considers the views and opinions of older workers in three case study organisations. The paper finishes by considering whether, and in what ways, age discrimination legislation which became law in the autumn of 2006 will facilitate or hinder older workers aspirations. It concludes that the effects of the law are likely to be weak.