The number of British pensioners delaying their retirement to remain in employment has nearly doubled over the past ten years, new research has shown.

Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics for the Spectator magazine revealed that the number of British-born workers aged 65 and over has increased from 418,000 in 2001 to 776,000 last year.

This represents a stark contrast from the state of the jobs market for those of working age, with 789,000 fewer working-age Britons now in employment than there were ten years ago.

"Many employers prefer to hire pensioners, because they can be relied upon to turn up on time and don't turn their nose up at work," the report states.

"In many cases, the value of their pension has been shot to pieces - so they need to keep earning."

The number of UK pensioners set to work beyond the current state pension age of 65 is set to double again in the next five years as more people take advantage of the scrapping of the default retirement age.