MPs unaware of older workers’ employment issues

Few MPs are aware of the employment problems faced by older workers, says a report from The Age and Employment Network (TAEN).

A TAEN survey of 88 MPs found that only 39% knew what barriers older workers have to confront, including lack of suitable employment, lack of access to training and forced retirement. And fewer than half (41%) had sought out employers in their constituencies for talks on the issues.

TAEN chief executive Chris Ball said that while the government wants to increase the overall employment rate of working age people from 75% to 80%, “MPs report that little is being done to address a range of issues around age discrimination, demographics and skills shortages.”