‘Age just a number atwork’

Firms are being urged to offer training to older workers after research found many were being “overlooked”.

A study showed that more than a third of workers over the age of 51 believed their employer put more effort into developing young staff than retaining older ones.

City & Guilds said its survey of 1,000 people aged 18-30 or over 51 raised concerns that companies were not doing enough to prepare for the UK’s ageing workforce.

Only a third of older employees discussed career progression with a manager, half as many as younger staff, even though most believed they had the skills needed for jobs of the future.

City & Guilds said employers should support all age groups, especially as the country was being hit by skills gaps.

Chief executive Chris Jones said: “As people are working longer, the multi generation al workforce is becoming commonplace. Employers will need to think carefully not just about their recruitment strategies, but how they develop and engage their whole workforce, regardless of age.

“While the government’s policies around developing young people and preparing them for work are important, we cannot ignore the other generations who may also need help entering or progressing in the workplace.”

‘‘ We cannot ignore other generations who may need help entering the workplace