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Many businesses 'ignoring older workers'
IT News |
10/03/2010
UK employers have fallen behind the times when it comes to the treatment of older workers, according to Work Wise UK.
Phil Flaxton, chief executive of the not-for-profit initiative, claimed that professionals over the age of 50 are seen as being undesirable by many firms, despite the skills and experiences they may have acquired during their careers.
He claimed that other countries in the European Union have a better approach to the use of older workers, with firms keen to utilise their knowledge and abilities.
Mr Flaxton added that many employers wrongly believe over-50s cannot be retrained effectively to perform new functions, especially as a result of the IT revolution.
"It is a misnomer for some employers to think that because you haven't grown up with a technology then you can't be trained to use it. That is just one example," he commented.
Earlier this week, Yvette Cooper, secretary of state for work and pensions, announced the creation of a £10 million government drive to support older jobseekers.
The new fund is designed to offer recruitment subsidies, training, volunteering aid and assistance in becoming self-employed.
Posted by John Lynes
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