The contribution older workers can make to business success is routinely overlooked according to a new survey of MPs published today (18th June).

The survey, published by TAEN (The Age and Employment Network) and leading older people's charity Help the Aged, found 83% of MPs said more training and information about issues concerning the ageing workforce were needed.

Nearly two thirds of MPs also believe issues of population ageing, skills needs and the employment of older people are affecting the local economies of their constituencies. And 60% reported that their constituents raised issues with them relating to direct and indirect discrimination.

Chris Ball, chief executive of TAEN, said: "The government wants to increase the overall employment rate of people of working age from 75% to 80%, yet in our survey, MPs report that little is being done to address a range of issues around age discrimination, demographics and skills shortages.”