Derry City and Strabane District Council has signed an Age-friendly Employer Pledge that confirms its dedication to supporting employees aged 50 and above.

Led by the Centre for Ageing Better, the pledge programme aims to help employers ensure workplaces are age-inclusive and promote the recruitment, retention, and development of older employees.

Following its commitment to the initiative, the council will be provided with various resources from other organisations demonstrating best practice in age-inclusive employment. These will include toolkits, newsletters, webinars, and case studies.

It will also see the local authority’s human resources team receive guidance in developing policies and practices that encourage diversity, inclusion, and age-friendly employment.

In a statement yesterday, the council highlighted its appreciation for the ‘significant skills and experience that older employees bring to the workforce’, and added that its signing of the pledge is part of its efforts to create an age-friendly district.

A review will be undertaken in six months’ time to reflect on the council’s progress and assess how it can make further improvements.

Comments

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, commented: ‘I’m delighted that council has signed the pledge, further strengthening our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for employees of all ages. Older workers bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills that are invaluable to organisations and communities alike.

‘As a council we are proud to lead by example and demonstrate the positive role employers can play in supporting people to remain in and progress within the workforce at every stage of their career. By becoming an Age-friendly Employer, we are sending a clear message that we value the contribution of older workers and are committed to creating opportunities where everyone can succeed.’

Council's Older Persons Officer, Pauline O'Neill, said: ‘This is a very positive step forward and aligns strongly with our wider Age-friendly work across the council area. Employment plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and social connection, and it’s vital that older people feel valued and supported in the workplace’.