Acas retirement checklist for employees:

• if you are thinking about retiring talk to your employer;

• request a meeting to discuss your options for the future — your employer may be able to offer alternatives to full retirement, such as reduced hours or flexible working, or be able to allow you to draw all or part of any occupational pension to which you may be entitled whilst continuing to work;

• be open and honest in your communication with your employer and expect the same in return; and

• if you do agree to retire at a certain point, remember you can change your mind, but keep your employer informed.