New package of support to help over-50s jobseekers back into work

The government will invest £22 million in new measures to tackle unemployment among the over-50s on benefits.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into, and progress in work, boosting their earnings ahead of retirement.

This increased support will be boosted by 37 50 PLUS 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 and experience.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, said older workers are a huge asset to this country, and there are currently more than 400,000 over-50s in roles than before the pandemic.

“We’re increasing funding and support at every step of their journey up the career ladder, to ensure everyone gets the support they need to get into work, progress and use their experience to boost their earnings and plan for a better future,” he said.

Research showed that people over 50 are more likely to have caring responsibilities, with 12 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women aged 55-64 providing informal care and increased support from work coaches will help them navigate these barriers.

For those who have been out of work for nine months, the government’s Restart Scheme will provide a year of intensive support.

One year since its launch, the Restart Scheme is already seeing the first jobseekers take up work and leave the scheme and is currently supporting a quarter of a million people to get the skills they need to re-enter the workforce.

This is part of the government’s renewed focus on growing the economy and helping people find work and boost their earnings.