Flexible formula

More companies are trying to lure retired engineers back to work and persuade staff to delay drawing their pensions in an attempt to plug skills gaps in their business,

has discovered.

While efforts to recruit skilled younger workers might get a higher profile, bodies representing engineering and technology employers say increasing efforts are being made to make staying in the workplace a more attractive prospect than leaving for the golf course.

A survey by

, the manufacturers' organisation, on how its members are preparing for an ageing workforce, showed more than three-quarters were concerned about the loss of specialist skills due to retirement, with 59 per cent citing this as their greatest concern. More than 200 companies were questioned for the survey.

EEF's report concluded: 'To avoid this problem companies need to promote workplace practices which, where necessary, can make it attractive for older workers to remain in work. Our survey shows that many of our members are already embracing initiatives such as offering flexible working or winding-down schemes, but there is scope for these to be offered more widely in the future.'