Upon reaching retirement age, the pension becomes, in most cases, the main source of income. For this reason, most workers aspire that, at the end of their working life, it will be profitable enough to cover, at least, basic expenses. But sometimes, in life, unwanted moments come that force us to have to return to the job market. This is the case of Mervyn Brooker, a 68-year-old retiree who has been forced to leave his retirement to look for part-time jobs to avoid losing his home. The reason, or rather the reasons, are the increase in the cost of living and the illness of his wife, Lyn, 62, which has put the couple in a difficult financial situation. With income that does not reach them by the end of the month, Mervyn assures that working is the only way to cover basic needs and keep a roof over their heads.
As explained to the media The Sun, Lyn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancerone of the main reasons why he has been forced to look for temporary jobs to cover household expenses and avoid being homeless. “Going back to work is the only way I can pay the bills and make the pension enough for us,” explains Mervyn, who admits he never imagined having to work after more than five decades of employment.
Currently, Mervyn has a Social Security pension of 827 pounds (997.93 euros per month at the exchange rate). Although he has lived simply and moderately for years, the increase in the prices of the shopping basket, the electricity bill and other services have made it impossible to cover the most basic expenses. According to him, saving and not wasting for decades disappeared with the impact of the current economic crisis and inflation. “Gaining an extra ten pounds a week means we don’t have to choose between heat or food”, he comments, reflecting the seriousness of his situation.
Lynfor his part, does not receive any pension from the United Kingdom Social Security due to his age, but he does indicate to the media that he receives a Disability allowance of 125 pounds per week (about 600 euros per month). Mervyn admits that this benefit barely amounts to anything, especially due to his illness. “My wife and I don’t want much. I am willing to do everything I can. We do not complain, although we are afraid”.
A retirement that continues with work
With more than 51 years of work experienceMervyn has taken on work activities such as baking cakes and cutting hair at reduced rates for retirees, as well as taking temporary jobs as a cook and clerk. Even has applied for jobs as a model or actoras long as you can afford to attend the auditions. “This week I applied for a job as Santa Claus for fifteen pounds an hour in a shopping center”, he mentions, showing that he does not rule out any job and that he is suitable for any job.
The need to work is not unique to Mervyn. According to data from the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics, the number of people over 50 who remain in or return to the labor market has increased progressively after the pandemic.
No inheritance for his daughter
In 2021, the couple opted for a £60,000 lifetime mortgage to release equity in her home, but the interest has reduced expectations that her daughter will receive any inheritance in the future. “The longer we live, the less our daughter will inherit. This means that when we die, you will have to sell the house to pay off the loan.”laments Mervyn, who still sees this decision as the only way to keep a roof over their heads.
Added to the monthly mortgage expenses are 200 pounds in food, 160 in gas and electricity, and 120 in gasoline, among other essential payments (which would be 482 euros at the exchange rate). “Every week we have about a tenner left over for emergencies, but I’m afraid to even afford to buy a bar of chocolate”he exclaims.
The pension will not cover everything
Lyn’s illness has added an emotional and practical burden to Mervyn’s life, and he must adjust his work schedule to care for his wife when his daughter is unavailable. “Lyn is fighting a lot, but is feeling very unwell with the chemotherapy”, he comments, worried about the immediate future of his family.
Mervyn, who left school at 15 and worked all his life, is frustrated by the ageism in society and the lack of job opportunities for older people. “Most full-time jobs for retirees are in supermarkets, and I can’t stand on my feet for more than five hours”he explains. Despite his efforts, he says he feels like he has failed and doesn’t know what the long-term solution is.
Mervyn’s case is yet another example of the difficulties faced by many retirees in the United Kingdom. After years of work and saving, the economic crisis and health problems force many to return to the labor market to survive. “I don’t expect to be rescued, but I have to come out of retirement somehow. It is difficult to find a position that I can fill“, he concludes, expressing a concern that thousands of people in the same situation share.