Individuals over the age of 50 seeking employment should consider exploring opportunities in the delivery industry and other flexible positions typically associated with younger demographics, according to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Mel Stride expressed this sentiment during a visit to the headquarters of Deliveroo, a food delivery company in London, which has witnessed a significant 62% rise in riders aged over 50 since 2021.
In an interview with the Times conducted during his visit, Stride emphasized that these flexible opportunities present “excellent prospects” and encourage individuals to explore options they may not have previously considered.
He highlighted the freedom to log on and off as desired, without any obligation to work specific hours over a designated time frame, as a driving force behind these significant opportunities.
Stride also suggested that employers can benefit from broadening their recruitment pool to “access all available talent” and that flexible working arrangements can attract older workers, building upon his previous remarks regarding the suitability of such jobs for individuals with disabilities.
Regarding the recently introduced digital “mid-life MOTs,” designed to assist older workers with financial planning, health guidance, and career skills, Stride advised individuals to take a sensible pause and evaluate their current life situation, considering factors such as financial security and anticipated living standards.
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of economically inactive individuals who are neither employed nor actively seeking work. The Office for National Statistics reports that approximately 8.6 million people in the UK, equivalent to one in five working adults, fall into this category. Of these, over 3.4 million are over 50 but have not reached retirement age.
This trend is placing strain on the labor market, as many employers are experiencing difficulties in recruitment. It is also a contributing factor to high inflation, as acknowledged by the Bank of England.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank conducted an analysis revealing that nearly half of older individuals who left the workforce at the start of the pandemic are facing financial hardships.
Stride emphasized employers’ responsibility to cultivate an inclusive work environment for older employees. This includes fostering working cultures that extend beyond the realm of politics, acknowledging that older individuals possess the life experience necessary to navigate such dynamics.
When asked about the possibility of early retirement, Stride, who is currently 61 years old, expressed contentment in his present role and aspirations to continue serving in this capacity for the foreseeable future, noting that it is a tremendously fulfilling job.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
