Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group and Government Business Champion for Older Workers, comments on the challenges facing older workers returning to the workforce following the latest ONS Labour Market Data:

“The UK labour market continues to face skills gaps, recruitment challenges and issues with retention, however these can be addressed by making work more flexible and attractive to a wider group of people, including older workers. The latest ONS data shows a decline in total economic activity with the highest number of economically inactive people being in the 50-64 age range.

“Government and employers have a key role in fixing these trends as unlocking the experience and skill set of older workers will be an important part of boosting the UK economy. The over-50s are currently a huge pool of untapped potential and we are calling on employers to remove the barriers that older workers often face in remaining in work or getting back on the career ladder. Enabling flexible working patterns, supporting staff with caring responsibilities, tackling age-bias in recruitment and investing in lifelong learning are all steps employers should take that can make a difference and bring real benefits.

“It’s clear that more needs to be done and in my government role as Business Champion for Older Workers I am also encouraging government to work with employers to ensure they have inclusive recruitment policies and encourage much more flexible ways of working – all from day one.”

Enquiries 

Andrew Golder
Senior Public Relations Manager
andrew.golder@thephoenixgroup.com
07977 678 988

Tim Naylor
Senior Account Executive, Lansons
TimN@lansons.com
07983 612 9197