How trade unions can support 50+ workers facing the threat of redundancy
Ageing Better have partnered with the TUC to develop a guide for union reps highlighting the differing levels of support that people aged over 50 may need while experiencing restructuring and redundancy.
Older workers often need support during the process of restructure and redundancy. And this support has to be structured and practical.
The Centre for Ageing Better and unionlearn, the learning and skills organisation of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have developed a new redundancy guide designed to provide union reps with an overview of redundancy and of the differing levels of support that people aged over 50 may need.
The guide aims to equip reps with the evidence, skills, and tools to encourage HR colleagues and management to consider the needs of the older workforce when making redundancies.
By ensuring that workplaces, and reps, adequately support workers in their 50s and 60s through the redundancy and restructure processes, we hope that older workers are able to make informed decisions, are aware of their options and feel supported to progress appropriately after redundancy.
In this blog, those involved in the development of this guide explain how it came into being.
Yusuf Dadabhoy from unionlearn outlines how collaborative work with Ageing Better will help union reps and the workers they support.
At unionlearn, we’re proud to support workers through every stage of their careers. As workplaces evolve and economic challenges prompt restructuring and redundancy, it’s more important than ever to ensure that no one is left behind – particularly workers aged over 50.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Centre for Ageing Better to develop a practical guide specifically for union reps.
This new guide recognises a simple truth: people over 50 bring a wealth of experience and skills to the workplace, but they also face unique challenges when navigating job loss and transitions. Whether it’s age discrimination, health concerns, or worries about reskilling, older workers often need tailored support to make confident decisions about their futures.
Union reps are at the forefront when members face restructuring or redundancy. They are both advocates and counsellors. But supporting workers aged 50 and over during times of upheaval requires specific insights and tools. That’s where this guide comes in.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Ageing Better, an organisation committed to helping everyone enjoy later life, the guide offers:
- Practical advice on how to support older workers during restructuring and redundancy processes.
- Insights into the common barriers faced by workers over 50.
- Information on retraining and employment opportunities relevant to older adults.
We know that union reps already go above and beyond to support members. This guide equips them to do that work even more effectively, particularly for those who may otherwise feel overlooked or undervalued.
Whether you're working with someone who’s been in the same role for decades or a member who is planning for their next chapter, this resource is here to help union reps support their journey with dignity and purpose.
Redundancy Support for Over 50s – A Guide for Union Reps guide is now also available to download on the unionlearn website. We are encouraging all our reps to read it, share it, and use it as a tool to strengthen your advocacy and support work.
At unionlearn, we believe in lifelong learning and lifelong dignity at work. Together with Ageing Better, we’re taking another step toward a fairer, more inclusive future for all.
Elaine Smith, Senior Programme Manager for 50+ Work at the Centre for Ageing Better, explains how the work we've carried out over the past few years has highlighted the importance of tailored redundancy support.
We know that people who are made redundant over 50 are less likely to find work than their younger counterparts and this disparity is not just about job availability. It reflects systemic issues of age discrimination, limited redundancy support services being available to people in different roles, and the emotional toll of often unexpected disruption to people’s working lives.
Many do not have access to any tailored support via their workplaces, instead being offered a one-size fits all approach that fails to take into account what people might need or want to do next.
We need services and organisations that offer people the time and space to process the shock of redundancy, and that help people to think about what options they have. Our work pilot approaches to redundancy highlighted how important it is to have access to advice as soon as being made aware of a restructure. We have also seen how having this support delivered in workplaces can make a real difference to how people engage with and benefit.
For some there may be a need to find work quickly, for others it might be that it takes time to think about what they want to do next, looking at new roles and sectors or rethinking how they approach work.
There’s also a need for practical guidance on how to apply for roles, what skills might be needed for different jobs, realistic financial advice and retirement planning and support to help build the confidence and employability of those looking to find new work.
Working with Unionlearn to develop our learning and their experience in providing support to members has produced something that is easily accessible and can provide better support.
Our aim is to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from access to better support, and we understand the pivotal role unions play in advocating for and providing this.
We want to support Reps, who are often the people employees turn to first when facing the prospect of redundancy or restructure, to better understand the unique impact this has on people at different stages of life and to confidently be able to raise the issue of age-appropriate redundancy support within organisations.
Download the guide here
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