Increasing the number of over fifties in the workforce is essential if Britain is to avoid “running out of workers”, according to the government.

A new guide, Employing older workers, published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), advises employers on how to hire and retain older workers. Suggestions include opening up apprenticeships and work experience opportunities to all ages.

Pensions minister Steve Webb said: “Older people are the main untapped source of labour in this country. Britain is in a global economic race and we’re moving towards a landscape where there will be a set of jobs that employers cannot fill with anyone but experienced older workers. A firm that doesn’t make use of the talent pool on offer amongst the over fifties will be left behind.”

The proportion of over-50s in the workforce is set to rise from 27 per cent of the workforce to a third by 2020. Half of workers aged over 55, meanwhile, propose to work beyond the state pension age, according to the CIPD. According to the government, however, research shows people aged over 50 are still the least likely to be recruited by firms.

“We’re certainly not suggesting older workers take jobs away from younger people, nor that people should be continuing working into their 70s,” Webb said. “Instead, we’re saying it’s time businesses allow people to fulfil their professional potentials and that employers heed the competitive edge older workers bring to their businesses.”

Share Story: