The number of people aged 65 and over working has increased by 11%

Only age demographic to record a decline in those working was 15- to 19-year-olds — down 3.5%, CSO data shows

On an annual basis, the seasonally adjusted monthly employee index went up by 2.2%.

The number of people aged 65 and over currently working has increased by over 11% compared to last year, which is the single largest increase of any age demographic, new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows.

The data shows in the year to May, the only age demographic to record a decline in those working was 15- to 19-year-olds — down 3.5%. The number of people working aged 65 and over increased by 11.2%, while the next highest increase was recorded in the 60 to 64 age group with a 6.1% increase.

Compared to May 2023, the economic sector that observed the largest rise in the number of employees was public administration and defence — up 7%. The largest decrease was recorded in the information and communication sector, down 3.3%.

On an annual basis, the seasonally adjusted monthly employee index went up by 2.2%.

Statistician with the CSO Aoife McHugh said seven economic sectors saw a monthly increase in the number of people employed during May, with six sectors recording a decrease. There were two sectors that were unchanged.

“The sector that observed the largest monthly decrease was agriculture, forestry, and fishing, down -1.2%, while the largest monthly rise was seen in education, which was up by 0.8%.”