50-plus unemployed workers 'lost generation' risk

50-plus unemployed workers at risk of becoming a ‘lost generation', says Age UK 

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures published by the ONS today, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK, said: 

"Despite today's figures showing a decline in overall unemployment, there are still nearly 170,000 people over 50 who have been out of work for over twelve months, a 50 per cent increase over the last year.

"The Government cannot afford to leave people in their 50s behind on the road to economic recovery. Long periods of unemployment for older workers now will deny them the opportunity to build up a decent pension, creating a ‘lost generation' of jobless over-50s dependent on benefits and facing a retirement in poverty.  

"In order to meet the Government's objective of extending working lives, Ministers must ensure training opportunities and tailored back-to-work support are available to older workers. To have a real impact on the older workforce, the government's new Work Programme must address the greater barriers faced by older workers."

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Notes to editors

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.

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