Becoming An Age Friendly Employer
This report is a practical summary of what organisations can do to become an age-friendly employer. It covers everything from recruitment to supporting health at work to helping staff in mid-life plan for their future. This research from the Centre for Ageing Better, produced in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC) calls for more employers inclusive of those over 50, including doing more to tackle age discrimination.
The workforce in the UK is changing fast. Organisations need to act now to unlock the opportunities of multigeneration teams. By 2020 one in three workers will be over 501, and by 2030 half of all adults in the UK will be over 502. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population is vital to create productive, innovative and inclusive multi-generational teams. Compared to gender, race or disability, age is often neglected as a diversity issue. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have the same responsibilities and legal obligations in relation to age as to any other protected characteristics. However, our surveys and other evidence suggest many employers and individuals do not yet approach age discrimination in the same way.
This research, featuring a forward by Andy Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of Aviva UK Insurance, Government Business Champion for Older Workers and Chair of BITC’s Age Leadership Team, contains guidance on creating an age positive workplace culture and becoming an age-friendly employer. It also covers how to encourage career development at all ages and ensure everyone has the health support they need. The guidance is evidenced by employer impact stories throughout and culminates in a five-point action plan.
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Business in the Community is developing a
skilled and inclusive workforce for today and tomorrow
References
1. Office for National Statistics, Labour market projections 2006-2020
2. Department for Work and Pensions, Fuller Working Lives: evidence base 2017, at page 13, accessed 26 June 2018