Wednesday 11 August 2010

Age Sector Platform responds to today's revelation that the number of over 50's out of work has risen by 52% in the last year to a 10-year high.

Bill Carson, Chair of Age Sector Platform, commented: 

"The unemployment figures released today are shocking and will create a great deal of uncertainty for generations of workers.  Although the on-going consultation on the abolition of the default retirement age is very welcome; it will not be of benefit to anyone if there are not enough jobs for people to work past the age of 65.  Opportunities must be available for people in their later years so that they can work to an age which suits them.”

“These statistics, illustrating the number of older workers who are unable to find employment, are very disheartening; particularly when we consider the wealth of experience which older people can contribute and which employers must not under-value in the current labour market.”

“In addition, these figures must be considered in light of recent proposals to extend the state retirement age.  Age Sector Platform believes that people should be able to work to an age of their choosing, whilst others who can not continue to work must be assured that retirement will not leave them in dire financial difficulties. The current inadequacy of the state pension is another issue which will only become more prominent as generations of workers are unable to save for a decent private pension due to early redundancy.”