Ageing Better responds to the Chancellor's government spending review

“We welcome the Government’s announcement of £2.9 billion to ‘Restart’ the careers of people who have fallen out of work with intensive support. Workers over 50 have been among the hardest hit in this crisis, and need this kind of tailored support to prevent them falling out of the workplace for good.

“As the scheme is put into place, we must ensure that it really works for older workers. The post-2008 Work Programme failed to support over 50s into work, so it’s vital that those mistakes aren’t repeated. We also know that early intervention is critical to preventing older workers becoming long-term unemployed.

“With hundreds of thousands of over 50s facing unemployment when the furlough scheme ends, the support announced today will be crucial in preventing a long-term unemployment crisis for older workers. We look forward to working with the government in the coming months to ensure it is as effective as possible.”