210,000 more over 50s in work than last year

Over nine million over 50s are now on the payroll across the UK, amid a government campaign to support more older people back into work.

The campaign has created dozens of 50 PLUS Champions across the country who work directly with Jobcentres and employers to address barriers keeping older people out of the workforce. 50 PLUS Champions assist Work Coaches to change employer attitudes about hiring over 50s as well as matching jobseekers with opportunities that suit their skills.

The roll-out of 50 PLUS Champions builds on a £22 million funding boost to help more older workers into work; the number of over 50s back in employment rose by over 210,000 in the last year.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, said:

“Older workers are a huge asset to our country and our economy. I want to support them to get into work.

“An age-inclusive workforce makes business sense too. Our 50 PLUS Champions will work with leading employers across the country to connect job-ready people with the vast number of opportunities out there.”

DWP is also supporting older jobseekers, with the introduction of the Jobcentre Mid-Life MOT service which supports people to take stock and make plans for their work, wealth and well-being into the future.

Jobcentres deliver a specialised offer for those 50 and over, identifying and overcoming obstacles holding them back from the labour market. Support includes modernising CVs or developing new skills through specialist programmes with new employers and a new approach.