Advice for Over 50s

Did you know in a recent Jobcentre Plus survey 52% of older workers said that money was their main reason for working followed by a sense of personal satisfaction (22%)?

Older workers (50 plus) make up 25 per cent of the working population - nearly nine million people - and that's set to rise to 32% by 2021. Twenty seven percent of people aged 50 to state pension age, are economically inactive, many claiming sickness or disability benefits. However a quarter of these are interested in working. Over 150,000 people have moved into work with support from New Deal 50 plus, since it was launched in April 2000.

Age Discrimination Legislation - October 2006

Many people aged 50-69 feel they have experienced age discrimination when working or looking for work. Legislation covering age discrimination in employment will be in place from 1 October 2006. Employers, both in the public and private sectors, will have to adopt age positive practices. Generally, employers will no longer be able to recruit, train or promote people on the basis of age.

For all workers, young or old, the legislation should open up more opportunities in work, particularly as training and promotion opportunities should not normally be limited by age. And for older workers in particular, this should open up new opportunities in competing for jobs, and in staying in work longer, if they want to.

New Deal 50 plus Advisers

New Deal 50 plus Advisers at Jobcentre Plus can help older people to overcome any barriers to work, discuss their situation and goals and agree what work is best for them. Some of the concerns typically raised by over 50s include caring responsibilities, lack of formal qualifications and/or knowledge of new technology, health problems, concerns about age discrimination or a lack of confidence.

Jobcentre Plus works closely with employers who have vacancies to fill and helps them to understand the benefits of employing a more diverse workforce. Older workers can offer employers a wealth of experience, established and transferable skills, commitment, loyalty, good customer service skills and reliability. It's also worth noting that the average retention rate and length of time in current employment is much higher for older workers (13 years compared with seven years for those aged 25-49).

For more information, including eligibility for New Deal 50 plus, people should contact Jobcentre Plus.