The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a new 'Midlife' MOT website to help older workers with their 'Financial Planning' and careers options.

The DWP said the free website would encourage older workers to better prepare for retirement.

The website includes a tool from MoneyHelper which will provide a personalised report to help people understand what to prioritise to improve their financial position, from now through to retirement.

The website says: "The midlife MOT is free online support to encourage people in their 40s, 50s and 60s to make more active planning in the key areas of work, wellbeing and money. It is aimed at both employees and employers and can help you to make choices that will ensure the future retirement you want." 

The website signposts to key organisations and charities, including the NHS, Mind, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and the DWP’s find a job portal. It also provides links to State Pension forecasts and includes information on personal pensions, company pensions and other pension options.

Guy Opperman MP, Minister for Employment, said: “We are all living longer and planning for later life is essential but knowing where to start can be daunting.

“Our digital Midlife MOT is open to everyone and easy to access, and will give people the tools to make informed decisions – on their personal finances, their health and on their careers. I would encourage older people in particular to invest the time to see exactly what it can do for them.”

The digital Midlife MOT is part of the Government’s wider package to help older workers find and move into work as well as helping those already in work understand what support is available.

Andy Briggs, CEO of the Phoenix Group and Older Workers Champion for the Government, said: “The desire to stay in meaningful work for longer is already important to many people. More experienced, older workers offer a wealth of knowledge but are often written-off or overlooked for no good reason.

“Age is no barrier to learning and I encourage businesses to invest for all, to enjoy the benefits of greater retention and more skilled employees.”

• Midlife MOT website