There were 8,500 retirees still working at the end of 2013, of which 2,800 are over 65, according to Eurostat.

The number has been rising steadily year-on-year, rising from 3,100 in 2007. In the first quarter of this year, the over-65s increased yet again to 3,219, according to the National Office of Statistics. In Budget 2008, retirees were allowed to continue working without losing their pension.

There are 2,400 men aged over 65 who work, up from 700 in 2007. There are 1,200 women aged between 60 and 64 who work, with a further 400 women aged over 65 in employment.

There are also nearly 2,000 people over 65 who are working part-time, up from just 500 in 2007.

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