Companies need to change their approach to recruitment to capitalise on the ageing workforce in the UK, according a report by Taleo and The Age and Employment Network.

The report found that many companies retain significant biases and misconceptions about recruiting older workers.

Alice Snell, Taleo research vice-president, says: “Retaining the traditional preference for recruiting only from younger age groups will lead to a weaker workforce than competitors who tap into the older worker talent pool.

“Organisations can gain a significant advantage from adopting a skills-based approach to recruiting that creates a level playing field for older workers.”

The report advises companies to drive their selection process based on skills, consider re-skilling or up-skilling new or existing employees, and word job opportunities carefully.