Man, 85, celebrates 20 years in second career

A man will celebrate 20 years in his second career working at a DIY store in July, after retiring from the prison service at the age of 65.

Ron McLaughlin is a customer advisor and says as long as he "can stand on these two pins" he will "keep ticking along".

Statistics from The Centre for Ageing Better revealed that employment rates fall sharply after the age of 55 in the UK.

His colleague Jeni, 40, says he's a "unique character" and "trouble", as well as having "a lot of knowledge and experience".

"We have a lot of fun," Mr McLaughlin says.

"You've got to not always be serious, have a few jokes, have a few smiles".

He started his working life as an apprentice electrician at the famous Lord Line building in 1954.

He then went on to the Merchant Navy before moving to the repairs department at British Rail in York.

After working at HMP Hull for 11 years he retired at 65, with a chance meeting in the aisles of a DIY store encouraging him back to work..

An employee he started talking to had also retired from the prison service, and Mr McLaughlin started working for the company just three weeks later.

During his 20 years at the store he has even fielded a few marriage proposals from customers: "I've never took up the opportunity!"

"It's within me, it's within the person I am. I have always worked. Whatever profession that might be, I enjoy using these."

He showed his hands. "These are not just for combing your hair with, you know."

"He's got some amazing life stories." Jeni adds. "We have prison service staff still come in and they make a B-line for Ron, they want to have a catch up with Ron, and customers are the same - once they've been in the store once and had an experience with Ron, they'll come in again and again and ask if he's here."

Richard Walgate from B&Q said: "Ron is a fantastic colleague and great example of how embracing a multi-generational workforce can benefit business."

Tracy Riddell, at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: "Older people working for longer can be hugely beneficial.

"For individuals it provides purpose, routine, financial benefits, social benefits, intellectual stimulation.

"For some people, they might have a financial need to work but for many, there is also a desire to continue working."