28 Jul 2016
Response to DWP figures showing employment rates for older workers
Response to DWP figures showing employment rates for older workers
Today the Centre for Ageing Better responds to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing that employment rates for older workers are at their highest levels since 1984, with more people aged 50 to 74 in work than ever before.
In 2015, 8.3 million people aged 50 – 64 were in employment, representing an employment rate of 69.4 per cent, which is 12.2 per cent higher than in 1995. In addition, there were over 1.1 million people aged 65 and over in employment in 2015, which is more than double the rate in 2001.
Employment Minister Damian Hinds has also today called on businesses to create more opportunities for older workers. He said: “I want to see businesses supporting this momentum while also reaping the benefits of the skills and expertise these older people can bring to the workplace. People in later life are increasingly looking to stay in work and it is important that more businesses look for ways to support them.”
Anna Dixon, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, said:
“We welcome the news that more people aged 50 to 74 are in work than ever before. Yet while the employment rate for over 50s shows positive signs of growth, the averages mask inequalities, with many people facing barriers to the labour market or working fewer hours than they would like. Too many people over the age of 50 are pushed out of work, through redundancy, ill health, or because they need to balance work and care.
“Part time work and self-employment are a growing trend for many older workers. While this can provide flexible and fulfilling work for many people, for others it is the result of a lack of choice of other types of employment. The benefits of work are important – it gives meaning and purpose, provides social contact and keeps us active. We need to ensure that people are able to make informed decisions and have control over where, when and how they work in later life.
“We want more people aged 50 years and over to be in fulfilling work that supports a good later life. It’s very encouraging to see Employment Minister Damian Hinds’ call for businesses to create more opportunities for older workers, which we fully support.”
Find out more
- How the Centre for Ageing Better is supporting more people aged 50 years and over to be in fulfilling work.
- Full data from the Department for Work and Pensions.
- Employment Minister’s call for businesses to create more opportunities for older workers.