Meet Anne Brewster, the region’s 50-Plus champion.
The long-serving Department of Work and Pensions figurehead in northern Lincolnshire has taken on a key role to help matrue people who may have stepped off the career ladder, climb back on. She has been appointed to cover the Humber as well as North and East Yorkshire as the scheme looks to address labour market concerns that valuable skills are being missed out on.
Working across 18 jobcentres she describes the position as one of “breaking down barriers and ensuring business understand the case for recruiting, retaining and retraining those who are now over the age of 50”.
By 2035 more than half the adult population is expected to be over 50.
Anne said: “Employers tell me that they know the value, the skills and experience older workers can bring. Sometimes the recruitment practices or words used in job descriptions can put off this age group from applying so tools to consider this when recruiting are vital.”
And helping prevent people leaving work is another facet.
“Many people leave their jobs because of caring responsibilities or their health including the
Menopause,” Anne said. “Having a conversation with their employer can ensure support can be put in place such as reasonable adjustments or flexible working and the business can save money on recruiting and training someone new. Any business wanting to talk to the local jobcentre recruitment team is welcome to pop into their local office.”
She told how mid-life MoTs help support people to consider their work, health and wealth and take actions to ensure they can support the lifestyle they might want to retain in retirement.
Paul George, sales and compliance manager at Grimsby’s The St James Hotel, has
actively recruited in the age range, recognising the “knowledge and experience they can give to the company”.
“I always enjoy interacting with candidates and relating to my personal experience in boosting morale with people over the age of 50.
The Centre for Better Ageing has produced an employer pledge with some great resources for business to support them to be an age friendly employer.
“I would ask all businesses to consider signing the pledge to ensure you recruit from a wide talent pool,” Anne said. “It is recognised that multi-generational workforces are seen to be more productive. They are great mentors to have in a business with their life experiences and skills built up over years.”
Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber
