According to Government statistics, the number of older people in paid employment has hit a record high, with more than 8.2 million people aged between 50 and 64 now in work.
The latest figures show that the number of people in this age group who have a job rose by 50,000 during the last quarter. Meanwhile, there are 235,000 more people aged between 50 and 64 in work than there were a year ago.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to changing perceptions of older workers among employers and promoting the business benefits of maintaining an age-diverse workforce.
These efforts are part of a wider determination to give working people across the UK the chance to get on at every stage of their life, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the dignity of a job, the security of a pay cheque and a comfortable retirement.”
Pensions Minister Baroness Altmann said: “Record numbers of older people are bringing their skills, talents and experience into the UK work-place, which is good news for people’s incomes, their future pensions and the overall economy.
“However, with 735,000 vacancies in the economy today, businesses are still not making the most of the opportunities that this huge pool of talent has to offer.
“This Government wants to see employers do even more to eradicate outdated misconceptions and age discrimination, so that employers realise the benefits when they retain, re-train and recruit staff who are over the age of 50.
Government action to increase the number of older people who have a chance to stay in the workforce includes abolishing the default retirement age — meaning that staff can no longer be forced out of a job just for turning 65 — and extending the right to request flexible working.
“In addition, earlier this year, we introduced regional older workers’ champions in Jobcentre Plus offices to support this age group by engaging with employers and providing tailored help.
“In a separate initiative, we are trialling a number of back-to-work support options, including piloting work-experience and training opportunities for people over the age of 45. We are also testing career reviews and enhanced digital support, to help claimants with modern job-search techniques.”
The British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the announcement. BCC director general John Longworth said: “Apprenticeship schemes can play a part in meeting important ambitions to boost skills and productivity.”
However, he added that plans to encourage apprenticeships should focus on small businesses, not just larger corporations: “Government policy is currently too focused on major employers. Equal effort ought to be put into encouraging and supporting smaller businesses to offer apprenticeships.”