Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Rejected
Paragraph: 83
Establish an accreditation scheme to champion older workers and improve workplaces for over 50s.
Recommendation
DWP should establish a scheme which champions older workers and encourages employers to hire staff over the age of 50. This scheme should push to improve workplaces for older people by providing an outcomes-based accreditation to employers who can demonstrate that their workplace is welcoming and supportive of older workers. Employers who join the scheme should be required to publish staff data on over 50s employment in their organisation.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects establishing an age-specific scheme, accreditation, or data publication requirement for employers, instead highlighting existing initiatives like Midlife MOTs, employer engagement, and the Menopause Employment Champion to support older workers.
Paragraph Reference:
83
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.