Wise Council profile

Did you know of people over the pension age, 9% are still in employment and 50% of people want to work after retirement age? (Age Positive).

Our Wise Council members understand the importance of a diverse workforce and the benefits it brings to both the individual and employer. Here they give an overview on their own experiences, advice, support and policies to add to this debate.

Trevor Baylis (OBE), inventor.

Trevor G. Baylis was born in Kilburn, London, in 1937 and one of his main passions in life has been inventing, especially inventing products that might help the physically handicapped. In 1993 he famously invented the clockwork radio and in 1996 this 'Freeplay' radio won the BBC Design Award for Best Product and Best Design. Trevor continues his tireless work to promote the concept of 'personal power', as well as his campaign to establish a Royal Academy of Inventors.

Peter Graham, Jobcentre Plus Adviser.

'As a New Deal 50 plus Adviser, I help many older people each week to overcome any barriers to work, discuss their situation and goals and agree what work is best for them.'

TEAN - The Age and Employment Network, charity.

'Working with both employers and recruitment agencies operating age-neutral policies TAEN helps individuals looking for employment or who want to change direction to develop their careers or undertake training.'

BT, employer.

'All employment decisions should be based on the skills and attributes of individuals and not irrelevant factors such as age. Mixed-age teams provide us with the best opportunity to truly understand our customers' needs and we reap the benefits of their rich diversity of views, opinions and experiences.