Member Article

More than 1m workers over fifty on 'scrapheap'

More than one million workers aged 50 - 65 can’t get a job due to lack of investment by employers, according to a new report by the TUC. The trade union organisation claims that older workers are being dumped on the scrapheap despite a willingness to work. The ‘Ready willing and able’ report claims that of the 2.6 million 50-65 year olds who are currently unemployed or economically inactive over a third want a job, with 250,000 actively looking and 750,000 who say they want work. The TUC is urging employers to undertake an ‘age audit’ to conduct an age profile of their employees to eliminate age discrimination in their workforce. This audit can then allow employers to identify any training needs and help create a more flexible “downshift” towards those nearing the retirement age.TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O’Grady, said: “Most baby boomers are not retiring early to cruise around the world or go bungee jumping. They have been dumped out of work and on to the scrapheap and are scraping by on benefits or small work pensions. “By refusing to retain and recruit older staff, who want to work, employers are accelerating the demographic timebomb the economy is resting on. Companies need to ditch tired stereotypes of fifty and sixty-somethings and develop ‘age management’ policies which capitilise on the value of experienced staff by offering retraining and flexible working, and making minor changes for people with disabilities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .