Older workers hit by redundancy

A survey of 800 jobseekers over the age of 50 by The Age and Employment Network (TAEN) in July revealed there was a sharp increase in those unemployed through redundancy in comparison with autumn 2008. Of these, 72% believe they are seen as too old to work, compared to 63% in 2008, while 55% said they had experienced discrimination. Only one in 10 believed that age discrimination laws help older people find work.

“These shocking figures show the greater barriers the over-50s are facing as the economy has worsened,” said TAEN chief executive Chris Ball.