Embrace older workers, urges pensions minister
27 August 2013
The pensions minister Steve Webb says that UK firms must increasingly “embrace our ageing population and the wealth of skills and experience older workers bring to business”.
Tue, 27 Aug 2013The pensions minister Steve Webb says that UK firms must increasingly “embrace our ageing population and the wealth of skills and experience older workers bring to business”.
Webb’s comments come after news that the number of people aged between 50 and 64 in employment in the UK has increased by almost 2m in the past 15 years, with the average ages at which men and women leave the labour market standing at 64.8 and 62.6 respectively, in both cases 1.7 years older than was the case in 1993.
“Britain is in a global economic race,” says Webb, adding: “Far from blocking jobs for younger workers, the over-50s can help to mentor and develop new recruits and apprentices and maximise productivity across the workforce.
“The truth is older workers are not only essential in meeting the long-term demand for labour in our country, they are also an opportunity to add value to business – and drive our economy forward.
He also applauds major employers Asda, British Gas, JD Wetherspoon and Marks & Spencer as positive employers of workers of all ages, as well as McDonalds, which he says “reports 20% higher performance in outlets that employ workers over the age of 60”.
“While things are improving, more still needs to be done,” says Webb.
Webb’s comments come after news that the number of people aged between 50 and 64 in employment in the UK has increased by almost 2m in the past 15 years, with the average ages at which men and women leave the labour market standing at 64.8 and 62.6 respectively, in both cases 1.7 years older than was the case in 1993.
“Britain is in a global economic race,” says Webb, adding: “Far from blocking jobs for younger workers, the over-50s can help to mentor and develop new recruits and apprentices and maximise productivity across the workforce.
“The truth is older workers are not only essential in meeting the long-term demand for labour in our country, they are also an opportunity to add value to business – and drive our economy forward.
He also applauds major employers Asda, British Gas, JD Wetherspoon and Marks & Spencer as positive employers of workers of all ages, as well as McDonalds, which he says “reports 20% higher performance in outlets that employ workers over the age of 60”.
“While things are improving, more still needs to be done,” says Webb.
