Unemployment increases among 50 plus workersdespite general fall‚ new figures show

While new ONS statistics show unemployment has fallen generally‚ among workers in the 50 plus age bracket‚ unemployment increased by 4.2 per cent over the last quarter from 370‚000 to 385‚000 for Sept-Nov 2009. Long-term unemployment (defined as a period of 6-12 months) increased by 34.8 per cent over the same quarter.

Andrew Harrop‚ Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:

“Despite encouraging signs that the job market overall is starting to recover‚ these figures show that 50 plus workers continue to face redundancy and an uphill struggle to get back to work.

“Previous recessions left a legacy of unemployment among older workers and now there are worrying signs that this pattern could be repeated. Research shows that once out of work‚ it is it is much harder for the over-50s to find a job again.

“The Government cannot afford to let people in their 50s be left behind in the economic recovery. Long periods of unemployment for older workers now will deny them the opportunity to build up a decent pension‚ making them more dependent on state benefits in retirement.

“As part of its overall strategy‚ the Government must commit to providing intensive support for unemployed people aged 50 plus within three to four months of losing their jobs to prevent them from being shut out from the labour market for good.”

Link Age Concern

Lots of statistics again. Fact is, when a company lets an older worker go, they let a wealth of experience and know-how go with them.
It is this knowledge what is required to re-build the economy once more, especially in the manual skills department. Sadly, the majority of young people want to sit behind desks in 'non productive' professions, which leaves a big gaping hole in the manual trades market. Sooner or later, these jobs will have to be filled when the economy improves, but there's going to be no one around to train them to the standards required to produce the high quality goods needed to maintain a stable economy.
This was recognised in Germany some years ago, when several top companies, B.M.W. included, started re-recruiting the 50+ workers and management in order to guarantee a seamless passing on of skills and knowledge from one generation of workers to another. When the older generation talk about "serving their time", they mean their apprenticeship. Today, apprenticeships are as rare as 'rocking horse manure' and serving time has something to do with Her Majesties' pleasure.

You are so right! My son did a apprentiseship in the eighties. Shortly afterwards he got his indentured, the company went bust and the products were transferred to Germany. Over there an engineer is recognised as a top professional and fully respected..Not quite the same over here eh?

Makes you wonder what our outlook would of been if they had won the war?

Hi Jo,
I lived in Germany for more than 24 years until Sept.2008, so I've an idea what goes on there. I only came back to England because I split up with my partner of 15 years. I still have regular contact to her, and through the web I keep upto date with things over there.
I'm a Germany fan so if I ever get the chance, I'll be back. I miss my holidays on the Baltic Sea.

Ken