15 November 2006
Hundreds of thousands of older jobseekers would be saving into
an occupational pension if only they could find a job, according to
Age Concern.
Age Concern is calling on the Government to act urgently to help
older jobseekers back into work so they can boost their quality of
life and make essential retirement savings. The call comes as Age
Concern launches its new report "Not ready for the scrapheap:
looking for work after 50". New research published in the report
shows that a lack of access to meaningful training, ageist
attitudes, and not enough realistic advice and support, are just
some of the reasons why almost a million over-50s who want to work
cannot find a job.
Many older people cited financial difficulties in later life as
a major motivation for wanting to find work, with some needing
extra cash to pay basic bills and others desperate to build up
their pension before retirement or meet other financial
commitments.
The research was conducted through a series of focus groups at
Age Concern employment projects across the country. The
participants, all in their 50s and 60s, expressed strong views
about the barriers preventing them from re-entering the
workforce.
Some participants highlighted gaps in their experience, training
and skills as a factor in their lack of success in finding work.
Others reported blatant age discrimination when applying for work.
The lack of realistic advice and support available to them was also
raised by many participants.
Age Concern's Director General, Gordon Lishman, said: "The
Government wants people to work for longer to help solve the
looming pensions crisis. But unless it actually helps older
jobseekers back into work this won't happen.
"The new age laws are a good starting point but much more still
needs to be done. Older people looking for work need far more
practical and emotional support, and ageist attitudes must not be
tolerated.
"A transformation of the workplace is clearly long overdue but
targeted programmes must also be put in place to support those who
are looking for work or to build new skills."
