Working life story: Tesse Akpeki
Tesse Akpeki has years of experience in governance, having started in the field when it...read more
The Government has announced a package of support for older workers, including work coaches for the over 50s.
The Government has announced increased jobcentre support for jobseekers who are over 50, including midlife MOTs.
It says £22 million will be invested in new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits.
Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into and progress in work and will address barriers, including those caused by caring responsibilities.
This support will be supplemented by 37 50PLUS Champions [previously called Older Claimants Champions] covering every district across England, Wales and Scotland. These were announced previously and will work with local employers to champion the employment of older workers and address the issues that affect them, such as menopause.
The Government says mid-life MOTs will also be available in jobcentres, targeting those thinking about retirement and engaging them to take stock of their skills and finances and consider staying in employment instead.
Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Seeing DWP continue to recognise the importance of a bespoke approach to older workers is really welcome.
“We know that older workers face unique challenges, such as ageism in the workplace and a possible gap in skills compared to some of their younger counterparts, so we will gladly support any tailored action that begins chip away at these significant roadblocks standing in the way of older people accessing fulfilling work.”
Another aspect of the support for older workers is for those who have been out of work for nine months. They will be referred to the Government’s Restart Scheme which will provide a year of intensive support to get them back to work.