The UK Government is introducing a number of ways to reduce barriers older workers often face when trying to re-enter the workforce. It is providing over £20 million over the next three years for an enhanced offer for people aged 50 and over to remain in and return to work.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Employment Minister, Guy Opperman, recently said that eligible older jobseekers on Universal Credit will receive more intensive, tailored support, on top of the support that work coaches offer all claimants. He added that full-time 50 Plus Champions are now in every Jobcentre Plus district across Great Britain.
His comments came following a query from Conservative MP Dr Kieran Mullan, who asked what steps DWP is taking to help support people aged over 50 into work. In a written response, Mr Opperman outlined the recent measures put in place and added that a new offer is set to be introduced, called ‘Returnerships’.
He said this offer will promote existing skills interventions to the over-50s and focus on flexibility along with previous experience to reduce the amount of time spent in training.
Mr Opperman responded: “The Government is committed to delivering a comprehensive package of support to help over 50s to remain and return to work.
“Eligible older jobseekers on Universal Credit will receive more intensive, tailored support during the first nine months of their claim. This will give Work Coaches more time to spend with older job seekers who have recently become unemployed and give extra support to help tackle barriers or difficulties in finding work.”
He confirmed that 37 new full-time 50PLUS Champion are now in every Jobcentre Plus district, to “support and upskill Work Coaches to deliver success for older claimants, including by raising awareness of the importance of supporting older job seekers”.
The DWP Minister continued: “The Mid-life MOT is being offered to workers in their 40s and 50s to review and take stock of their finances, skills and health. This enables them to better prepare for their retirement and build financial resilience.”
Mid-life MOTs will be delivered to people in work in the private sector in three pilot areas, to eligible customers in the Jobcentres claiming Universal Credit and online.
He added: “Alongside this enhanced offer, for those who became unemployed, Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches have the flexibility to offer all claimants, a comprehensive menu of help, such as through Restart, Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), the Flexible Support Fund, Mentoring circles, and 50+ job fairs, whilst also being supported by the 50 PLUS Champions.
“We will introduce Returnerships, a new offer promoting existing skills interventions to the over-50s, focusing on flexibility and previous experience to reduce training length.”
Mr Opperman also said that the DWP engages with employers to encourage positive attitudes towards older workers and the benefits of a multi-generational work force.
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