Employment rates climb – but over 50s left behind
The latest ONS labour market figures show that employment in over 50s remains far below pre-pandemic levels, with over 170,000 fewer over 50s employed.
Our country wastes a huge amount of talent, skills and experience by denying older workers the chance to stay in jobs or find new ones.
There is no expiry date for workers, but as people get older many face discrimination on the basis of their age – or challenges accessing the work that works for them.
Our country wastes a huge amount of talent, skills and experience by denying older workers the chance to stay in jobs or find new ones.
This comes with a huge price tag for society, with hundreds of thousands of people in their 50s and 60s who want to work shut out of the labour market for good. With employers facing labour shortages and productivity challenges, they cannot afford to lose or ignore this part of the workforce. We are working with employers to create an Age-friendly employment culture and workplace practices so that everyone can remain in good jobs for as long as they want and are able to.
Find out more about our guidance for employers and how we’re testing new ways to improve employment support for people aged 50 and over who have fallen out of work long-term.