‘Number of jobseekers at record high’

Resource CEO Victoria Sterman, 56, said: “At Resource, we are seeing record demand for our services. Too many talented and committed people in their fifties and sixties want and need to work but are shut out of the job market because of age discrimination, outdated stereotypes about IT skills, or assumptions about their energy and commitment. We are determined to change that.”

She said that some of their clients had reported signing up for Universal Credit, relying on family members for financial support, avoiding social arrangements and cancelling family holidays. Many also said that they had faced age discrimination, despite their experience.

Resource CEO Victoria Sterman (Photo: Resource)[Missing Credit]

Across the UK, employment among people aged 50 to 64 is 71.6 per cent, compared to 85.7per cent for those aged 35 to 49, according to the Centre for Ageing Better, who said people were delaying retirement in the face of financial pressures. Over 11 per cent of over-65s are still working – more than double the number than 25 years ago.

Edward Solomon, 57, a former client of Resource, now works two jobs. Self-employed as a digital manager in a web design company since 2011, he secured a second job at Radlett Reform Synagogue in August after contacting Resource.

“I never in my wildest dreams envisaged that I would be materially poorer in my fifties, than I was in my thirties,” he said.

“The cost of living has been the primary driver for the changes I have had to implement. With everything costing significantly more than it did some two to five years ago, the pressures on our finances – both business and domestic – have been immense. We now have the additional burden of a child going to university, which will place further pressures on our finances.”

Solomon said that finding a second job had enabled him “to reduce my levels of stress over finances”.

On looking for work at a later stage in life, he said he hoped that employers would be open to employing people over 55. “They may cost more to employ, but with age and experience comes a far greater degree of productivity and the return on investment generally outweighs the cost.”

Edward Solomon, who found a second job through Resource[Missing Credit]

To address the growing number of over 55s looking for work, Resource is launching the Ageless Career Programme, supported by the Wohl Legacy. It will offer workshops on CV writing, interview skills, IT training and networking. The programme will also provide one-to-one advice and ongoing mentoring once clients return to work.

There are also plans for the scheme, whose launch coincides with Positive Ageing Week, to partner with employers, encouraging businesses and charities across the community to recognise the value of experienced hires.

Sterman said: “Our Ageless Career Programme will expand the tailored training, one-to-one guidance and mentoring we provide and support clients long after they return to work.

“We also want employers across the community to play their part by recognising the enormous value this skilled age group brings – people with decades of experience, perspective and loyalty.”

She called on companies to commit to the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme developed by the Centre for Ageing Better, saying: “At a time of record demand for employment support, this programme is about opening doors, restoring confidence and ensuring senior jobseekers are not left behind.”

resource-centre.org