One in 25 of the UK workforce is now aged 65 and over, new figures suggest.

Some 1.33 million employees were estimated to be within this age group in the period March to May 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This was 4.1% of the total 32.75 million people in employment.

It is the first time since comparable records began that the proportion of the workforce aged 65 and over has passed 4% – the equivalent of one in 25.

(PA graphic)

The level has been rising gradually since the start of the century.

In spring 2001 it stood at 1.5%, or roughly one in 66.

By spring 2005 it had risen to 2%, or one in 50.

It passed 3% at the end of 2010.

The proportion of the UK workforce aged 50 and over has also been increasing.

In the period March to May 1992, when ONS data begins, some 21% of people in employment were estimated to be 50 and over.

This number passed 25% in summer 2001 and 30% in summer 2013.

The latest ONS figures suggest just under a third of the workforce (32%) is currently aged 50 and over.

The ONS defines the UK workforce as people in employment aged 16 and above.