25 September 2026

Fidelity report: Longer Working Lives Index 2026

Fidelity International reveals a growing divide in how effectively nations support experienced workers, with the UK ranking last as millions extend their careers out of financial necessity rather than choice.

Fidelity International’s Longer Working Lives Index 2026 introduces an index that compares how effectively G7 nations support individuals aged 55 and over in remaining in employment.

Moving beyond simple employment rates, the index measures four pillars:

Work capability
Work choice and motivation
Participation in work
Work quality.

Italy leads the ranking overall due to high job quality and relative earnings, followed by the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, and the UK. The findings show that no single country has fully solved the challenge. The UK ranks last overall, driven by low scores in Work choice and motivation. A significant share of UK over-55s report considering longer careers purely to cover basic living costs rather than by choice, alongside lower confidence in retirement planning and a wider training gap compared to younger workers.

The report discusses how individuals need to build career and financial resilience earlier, employers must foster flexibility and continuous training, and policymakers must provide a stable, predictable pension environment that treats retirement as a phased journey rather than a single event.