Help for over 50s
Overview
It's never too late to retrain and it's widely accepted that some employers are struggling to recruit enough people due to an increase in the number of over 50s who have dropped out of the work place. Since the Covid pandemic many people decided not to return to the work place or were unable to and the Government and employers are trying to find ways to attract over 50s back into the workplace through a series of programmes.
- A new returnerships programme was announced in the March 2023 Government budget, aimed at getting adults of 50 yrs back into work. The 50 Plus Programme supports people, aged 50 and over, return to work or gain experience in a new industry. Local colleges are involved in delivering aspects of the programme for example Cornwall College's Apprenticeship Team.
- Job Centres across the UK are offering increased support through over sevent 50PLUS Champions covering every district across England, Wales and Scotland who will work with local employers to help them realise how their recruitment could benefit from the talent of older workers. Mid-life MOTs will also be available in jobcentres, targeting those thinking about retirement and engaging them to take stock of their skills and finances, and consider taking jobs that could boost their incomes based on their skills experience. Find out more information.
- The Government have produced a Returner Toolkit for anyone wanting to return to work after a period of unemployment for a host of reasons such as caring responsibilities, health reasons.
- There is also help and support forFinding Work at 50+ on another Government led website.
- Open to adults of any age you can take a course in a work-related subject, check out the Skills For Life Campaign and Skills Bootcamps where there are lot of free courses including Skills for Jobs for adults without a Level 3 qualification
If you are over 50 and looking to get back into work the restless site can help you find jobs with age diverse employers across the UK. Whether you’re looking for full time or part time jobs, a career change after 50 or to find your purpose post-retirement.
The Indeed job site has some useful advice about looking for a job when you are over 50 and some tips including how to adapt your CV.
Feeling like you might be too old?
For those of you who are worried you may be seen as too old to re enter the job market or change your career there is a lot of help and support from the National Careers Service to overcome these perceived barriers. They also do a lot of work with employers about promoting the benefits of recruiting older workers and are finding that many employers are open minded and see the benefits.
Watch the video below which is a radio interview with a National Careers Adviser in Gloucestershire.