Jade Wright

Government forecasts assume the rise in the UK State Pension age from 67 to 68 could occur between 2037 and 2039, seven years earlier than current legislation, potentially affecting around five million people born in the 1970s. Ministers deny any policy change and emphasize that a statutory review is still underway. Experts warn that earlier increases could exacerbate poverty and strain older workers who already face barriers to remaining in employment. Any formal change would require parliamentary approval, and the current legal schedule still places the rise between 2044 and 2046.

HM Revenue & Customs urges young people starting summer jobs to download its app for quick access to tax details including National Insurance numbers, tax codes and PAYE records. Survey data shows many Generation Z workers feel unprepared for tax matters, while digital tools such as the HMRC app are increasingly being adopted. The agency highlights the importance of checking pay against the National Minimum Wage and ensuring correct tax information to prevent delays and errors during seasonal employment.