4 SEP 2023

Over-50s 'returnerships' announced in spring budget AXED...

The UK government has announced that it will not be proceeding with the 'returnerships' program aimed at encouraging individuals over 50 to re-enter the workforce, despite initially introducing the initiative in the spring budget. Education minister Nick Gibb confirmed that older workers will instead be directed to existing training schemes and resources, such as the Department for Work and Pensions Midlife MOT website and apprenticeships designed for young people. This decision comes as government data reveals that over 280,000 more workers in the over-50s category have become economically inactive since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The UK government has announced that it will not be proceeding with the 'returnerships' program aimed at encouraging individuals over 50 to re-enter the workforce, despite initially introducing the initiative in the spring budget. Education minister Nick Gibb confirmed that older workers will instead be directed to existing training schemes and resources, such as the Department for Work and Pensions Midlife MOT website and apprenticeships designed for young people. This decision comes as government data reveals that over 280,000 more workers in the over-50s category have become economically inactive since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the cancellation of new schemes, HR experts emphasise that employers should still be proactive in attracting older workers back to the workforce and making their workplaces more accommodating for them. Dominic Wade, co-founder of HR recruitment firm Wade Macdonald, stressed the value that over-50s bring to employers, highlighting that their skills remain highly valuable. Tim Ringo, director at Lace Partners, noted that the private sector has been successful in enticing older individuals back into work, particularly as many of them wish to continue working due to economic pressures and a desire to remain active. However, he also highlighted the importance of addressing age discrimination in the workplace and promoting intergenerational learning and collaboration.

To effectively reintegrate older workers into employment, businesses are encouraged to invest in training younger employees and managers on how to work harmoniously with older colleagues. Additionally, offering flexible learning pathways and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling can be crucial for older workers, who may have personal responsibilities that make traditional classroom-based learning challenging. Overall, despite the government's decision, there remains a strong incentive for both employers and older individuals to find ways to reinvigorate the over-50s workforce.

Full story via People Management