Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 82
Support employers to create job roles and workplaces attractive to older workers.
Recommendation
Ageism in the workplace is an important issue that needs to be confronted if this demographic is to be successfully supported to stay in or re-enter employment. Employers should be supported by DWP to create job roles and a workplace environment which are attractive to older workers, emphasising the value and experience that older people bring to the workplace.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is committed to helping older workers through existing programmes like Midlife MOTs and engaging with the private sector. However, it does not propose to establish any new age-specific schemes for employers at this time.
Paragraph Reference:
82
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government is committed to delivering a comprehensive package of support to help older workers to remain and return to work, in recognition of the challenges they can face. Midlife MOTs can help people in their 40s and 50s who are both in and out of work, to review and take stock of their finances, skills and health. We are delivering Midlife MOTs in Jobcentres across GB; piloting Midlife MOTs through private sector suppliers to employees in North-East England, East Anglia and Cornwall and Devon; and recently launched our enhanced digital offer. DWP does not propose to establish any age specific schemes for employers at this time. The Government recognises the valuable contribution that older workers can bring to the workforce and is committed to driving change by raising awareness of ageism, and is committed to engaging with the private sector, to encourage, and support age inclusive workforce policies. It is important that employers feel confident when taking their first steps to becoming an age-inclusive employer, and that they feel able to engage positively without any additional business challenges. DWP has signed the Age-friendly employer pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to promote age inclusive working practices. In turn, the DWP National Employment and Partnership Team (NEPT) have strong relationships with employer partners and are promoting the pledge to encourage others to sign up too. The department and the Business Champion for Older Workers, Andy Briggs, engage with employers to promote the benefits of older workers to business. Employers will increasingly need to employ and retain the skills and experience of older workers longer to remain competitive and avoid skills and labour shortages. A key component of this activity is the Minister for Employment’s Roundtable of employer organisations, using trusted voices to influence and drive change. On 6 March 2023, the Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression announced the appointment of Helen Tomlinson, as the Government’s Menopause Employment Champion. Helen’s role is to drive awareness of issues surrounding the menopause and work, encouraging employers to develop policies that create a more supportive environment to support women to stay in work and progress.