Pensioners stop the UK from falling apart - Rachel Reeves needs to show them some respect

It was a typical day heading into the office. I stopped by McDonald's for a coffee before heading to the train station for my commute. But something about that morning struck me. From the stalwart coffee server, who is always at the drive-through even from the early hours, to the street cleaners and the dutiful staff at the train station: not one of them was a young person.

Now I know that judging people's ages by a quick glance is a risky endeavour. However, my observations are clearly backed up by the stats. In 2000 there was a 5.1% employment rate for those aged 65 plus and by 2025 that has risen to 12.7%. Working past the official retirement age of 66 is now not only often the norm but also a necessity. My dad is 77 and still works as a salesman at a furniture store, my mother-in-law does too at 71. And my father-in-law? Well, despite being 73, I seriously can't imagine a day he'd leave the daily grind behind. They love the social connection and, let's face it, many in that age bracket need the cash if they are on a State Pension.

And what of the distinct lack of young people that morning? Perhaps it's coincidental, but more young people were not in work, education or training at the end of 2024 than at any point in the past 11 years, according the ONS. There are also more working age people - including from younger generations - claiming disability than ever before, according to the IFS.

It certainly looks like from where I'm standing that older people are keeping the country running, yet they're still being tapped for more - whether it's Rachel Reeves' botched attempt to strip back winter fuel payments or talk of new pension pot raids. Note: Let's hope the Chancellor remembers their contribution in her next budget.

So what are the fixes? Firstly, kick those young people not deserving of benefits off the gravy train. All those on Jobseeker's Allowance should be volunteering or in training for a start. And lying in bed should never pay you more than clocking on if you're able to work.

No right-minded person would have an issue with young people with disabilities getting the financial support they deserve, but clearly that's not always the case. Mental health issues have contributed to this increase of disability claimants, accounting for 44% of those on the benefit. I know how debilitating conditions such as anxiety can be, but staying out of work for long periods will make matters worse.

The question should be what can you do, not what you can't. This is not cruel, it's precisely the opposite. The later you develop a work ethic, the harder it's going to be when the usual wear and tear of older age sets in.

Perhaps another piece of the puzzle is that young people need something to aspire to. My husband and I bought our first home at 24, as will many of our readers. Fast-forward to today, however, and the average age of first-time home ownership in the UK is 32, with many in the south of the country not managing it until much later.

I don't necessarily believe this means building endless amounts of new homes. But I do think it means offering help to those who are working hard and want to step onto the housing ladder. One idea is to offer incentives to hardworking young people who can be tempted to live in areas in need of a boost. With their families they could bring fresh hope.

The benefits system can be nearly impossible to escape. I see this firsthand in my town of Middlesbrough, with benefits dependency passed down like an heirloom. But Britain cannot run on the shoulders of pensioners while younger generations lay on the sofa - and Rachel Reeves would do well to remember that before she asks older people to carry more of the load.