THE Government s proposals to raise the pension age to 68 for younger generations will prevent people from volunteering in later life, a new YouGov survey suggests. Almost 70 per cent said they would be less likely to volunteer as pensioners because they

THE Government's proposals to raise the pension age to 68 for younger generations will prevent people from volunteering in later life, a new YouGov survey suggests.

Almost 70 per cent said they would be less likely to volunteer as pensioners because they will now have to work for longer.

The poll was carried out for national charity Volunteering England.

The charity fears that delaying the age of retirement could rob the voluntary sector of an army of older volunteers, leaving many public and community services short-staffed.

Home Office figures show around half of retirees aged 65-74 - more than two million people - volunteer, devoting their spare time to good causes.

Yet the survey reveals the voluntary sector could stand to lose the backbone of its unpaid manpower. More than two thirds of people aged 30-50 - the group most affected by the proposed changes to pensions - said they would now be less likely to volunteer.

Christopher Spence, chief executive of Volunteering England, said: "It is of real concern that people believe they will not be able to volunteer when they retire because they have to work longer.

"Retired people who volunteer provide essential support to many public and community services.