Making the case for older workers

V BARONESS ALTMANN espoused the cause of older people in the workplace when addressing employment support charity Resource’s “Ageless” seminar, held online in conjunction with JW3.

The champion of older workers’ rights complained that they tended to be regarded “as vulnerable and weaker, regardless of their actual health. Yet today we are fitter and healthier than ever before.”

Now the Covid crisis had given employers the opportunity “to discriminate against older staff when choosing who to retain or let go.

“Age discrimination at work and in job applications is still regarded as more acceptable than other types of discrimination. Employers should look at the individual and not pigeonhole every older person.”

Her advice to older job-seekers was to continue acquiring new skills and consider using their experience and contacts to become self-employed. They should also try volunteering — which could lead to paid work and keep their CV refreshed — and use social media to make contacts.

The 100 participants also heard from Resource advisers on how to create an “ageless CV”, job interview tips and making the most of networking.

Meanwhile, the charity has instigated a rapid response service to help anyone worried about their job situation because of the pandemic.

The free facility initially involves a phone or video chat with one of Resource’s professional advisers.

If the caller requires further help, they can become a Resource client, with the option of participating in seminars and workshops. As these are offered via Zoom, they are open to Jews in any part of the country.

“We are finding that right now, there is a huge scale of worry across all sorts of work situations,” Resource CEO Victoria Sterman explained. “People who have been laid off; the selfemployed whose businesses evaporated overnight; those who have been furloughed and are deeply concerned about their future prospects; even those who may still be in work but are unsure for how long. These are all people for whom a conversation with one of our experienced professionals could make all the difference.”

And to help meet increased demand during the pandemic, Resource has started a search to bring in additional advisers.

Rest assured: Beatty Orwell taking things easy on her big day

V PROUD EAST Ender and political activist Beatrice (Beatty) Orwell celebrated her 103rd birthday with dozens of greetings and gifts.

Because of the pandemic, Mrs Orwell, who lives independently, marked her big day at home. She is a long-time member of Jewish Care’s Brenner Centre at Stepney Jewish Community Centre, which sent her a personalised four-page booklet.

She has the support of her three children, 12 grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

“We are immensely proud of our mum,” said daughter June. “Born in humble surroundings, she worked hard all of her life. But along the way, she met the Queen at Buckingham Palace and had tea at 10 Downing Street. Not bad for a girl from Petticoat Lane!”

The family was grateful for the support of the Brenner Centre to Mrs Orwell, both through the lockdown and because of her recent broken hip.

Mrs Orwell has been involved in local politics for as long as she can remember. She is believed to be the Labour Party’s longest affiliated member and is a former Tower Hamlets Mayoress.

Employers should look at the individual and not pigeon-hole’