Wise Council

Did you know that by 2025, half of the adult population will be aged 50 and over?

Jobcentre Plus recognises the challenges that this presents to the UK and has formed a Wise Council to lend their views and experience to the debate. The Wise Council is a dedicated online advice service spearheaded by inventor Trevor Baylis that aims to provide:

• Advice for the over 50s
• Top tips for older workers
• Views from the members of the Wise Council

The Wise Council plays an important role in challenging many of the traditional myths that surround older people and the workplace. Commonly held beliefs such as 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' are often incorrect and stop older people from having the opportunities to take an active role in the workforce.

Our recent research shows just how wrong some of these myths can be, with 40% of older workers saying that they believe their younger colleagues teach them skills they previously did not have. For more information on this research and the truth behind age in the workplace, go to our News section to read the latest press release.

The Wise Council believes that as our population changes, attitudes will also need to change. Businesses are already changing their views and are looking to take advantage of the skills and experience that older workers can provide. Older people also need to challenge their own assumptions and recognise that society wants and needs them to play an active part.

This is not just an aspiration, this is something that is happening now. Everyday hundreds of older people are taking the next step in their working lives, accepting new challenges and reaping the benefits.

The Age Positive campaign promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people. It encourages employers to make decisions about recruitment, training and retention that do not discriminate against someone because of their age. For more information visit www.agepositive.gov.uk

The DWP led Generation Xperience campaign also coincides with the first anniversary of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006,
The month-long campaign showcases the achievements of older people and raise awareness of the opportunities for older people across society. For more information visit http://generationxperience.net/