Mark Whitehead 14 November 2017

'Radical rethink' needed to tackle unemployment in over-50s

A 'radical rethink' is needed to tackle chronic unemployment among the over-50s, according to campaigners for older people.

The Centre for Ageing Better says people over 50 are more likely to be out of work than younger age groups and once unemployed they struggle more to get back into a job.

It says only 16% of over-50s referred to the Government’s Work Programme are successfully supported into employment - the worst results of any group, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or disability.

About one million of the over-50s who are out of work are thought to have left employment involuntarily because of issues such as ill health, caring responsibilities or redundancy.

Jemma Mouland of the Centre for Ageing Better said: 'Too many older workers are currently being pushed out of the workforce because of poor health, caring responsibilities or redundancy.

'Once they have lost their job, over-50s struggle much more than any other age group to get back to work, which is costly personally and financially for them, with impacts lasting well into later life.

'Given that we are all working for longer and our workforce is ageing, we need urgent action to break this vicious circle.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner