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The government's modernisation plans for the National Health Service are in danger unless older people are encouraged not to take early retirement, a King's Fund report warns this week.

More older staff should be recruited to fill vacant health service posts and the NHS should adopt flexible working practices, such as those pioneered by some private sector employers, it adds.

"One in seven workers in the NHS - about 150,000 people - are 50 or over," said author Sandra Meadows. "With fewer young people taking up jobs in the health service, it is crucial we hold on to experienced and skilled older workers, who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise."

The report concludes that the UK's ageing workforce makes it essential that the NHS has imaginative policies in place to retain older staff.

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