The government is rolling out an ‘older workers’ champion scheme across every part of the UK to tackle age discrimination, from April 2015.

Over-50s job-seekers fighting ageism to get back to work will be given a boost through a world-leading new approach to preventing their talents being wasted, Employment Minister Esther McVey announced today (22 December 2014).

From April, the government is rolling out an ‘older workers’ champion scheme across every part of the UK to tackle the age discrimination that can force them into the much higher levels of long-term unemployment than their younger counterparts.

Intensive work support will be offered through the scheme with a ‘career review’, digital support for older jobseekers to get online and link-ups with local small and medium sized businesses with vacancies to fill.

Research shows if the 1.2 million workless over 50s who want a job were supported into work, it could add £50 billion to the economy as part of the government’s long-term economic plan.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said:

“With 50 being the new 30, there are more and more older workers wanting to make the most of their skills and experience in a new career, and they have a hugely valuable contribution to make to any workforce.

Despite the recent impressive trends in those over 50 getting back into work, older workers still in many cases face outdated stereotypes when it comes to business hiring practices.

Not only is this a waste of valuable talent and ‘life skills’, but it’s a missed opportunity for businesses to make the most of their experience to support younger colleagues develop their careers.

As part of our long-term economic plan, our champions will tackle outdated views that older workers are somehow ‘past it’ so that more people get the security of a regular wage in 2015.

Pensions Minister Steve Webb said:

Older workers have an enormous contribution to make in the workplace and increasingly employers are waking up to this. But it’s also clear that old-fashioned and outdated perceptions still persist. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to support older workers stay in the workplace and to help employers understand their value – and we’re now going to take that even further.

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