Firms in Yorkshire and Humberside have been urged to do more to support older workers by Chris Ball, chief executive of TAEN – The Age and Employment Network.

Speaking at a Business in the Community Leadership Network dinner at the Leeds office of international law firm Eversheds, Ball called for firms in the region, where 780,000 people between 50 and 65 currently in employment but nearly 32% of this age group are out of work, to introduce measures.

These would include flexible working, improved health and fitness and adapting workspaces, to ensure that older people are able to continue to contribute to the economy and are not forced out of their jobs at 65.

Ball said: “Today is an opportunity for businesses in Leeds, and across the Yorkshire and Humberside region, to reflect on how they can ensure that they do not waste the talent, energy and enthusiasm of their older workers.

“It is up to businesses, large and small, to make sure that they do not force workers out once they hit 65 but face up to the fact that people will want and, especially in the current climate, need to work longer.”