Over-50s more at risk of long-term unemployment

UNEMPLOYED people over the age of 50 are more than twice as likely as younger age groups to be out of work for at least two years, a study suggests.

One in four jobless people are over 50, according to an analysis of official data by Rest Less, which offers advice to older people.

And a fifth of them have been out of work for at least two years, the study indicated.

Unemployment levels among the over-50s from August to October increased by a third compared with the beginning of the year.

Stuart Lewis, founder of Rest Less, said: “Our analysis clearly shows that older people out of work are more prone to long-term unemployment than other age groups in the same position.

“With the state pension age having risen to 66, we are particularly worried that this drift from short to longterm unemployment ultimately risks a lost generation of unemployed over50s forced into an early retirement they neither want nor can afford.

“Too often, highly skilled workers in their 50s and 60s suffer from age discrimination in the recruitment process, often being told they are ‘over qualified’.

“More tailored support and comprehensive retraining for the over-50s in the early stages of unemployment is required in order to reduce the disproportionate number of older workers drifting into long-term unemployment.

“Prior to the pandemic, 80 per cent of employment growth in the UK came from workers over the age of 50.

“If we want to bounce back from this devastating recession as quickly as can be, we need employment and re-employment policies that work to bring all age groups back into the workplace and harness the oftenoverlooked talent of the over-50s.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Experienced workers are a huge asset to this country and our Plan for Jobs is supporting people of all ages back into work.

“We are doubling the number of frontline work coaches, offering tailored support to ensure people find a job that’s right for them and our new £2.9billion restart scheme will provide tailored support for people across the UK who have been out of work for at least 12 months.

“Our welfare safety net is there for people who are unable to work.”

‘People are forced into early retirement they can’t afford’