03 September 2008
Older workers essential part of the workforce
"Older workers are an essential part of our workforce, and will increasingly be so as people work longer due to better
health and for the social and economic benefit from work," Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today,
welcoming the release of "Valuing Experience: a practical guide to recruiting and retaining older workers' .
"This guide is a great contribution and resource for better understanding the needs of older workers, and utilising and
valuing their skills and capabilities."
"Older workers can face negative attitudes and discrimination, and so positive and proactive approaches which will
benefit workers and employers are needed and welcome."
"People have different needed at different times of their life, and good workplaces will recognise this and adjust for
changes. For older workers, it may be about flexible work or less physically demanding work."
"The guide sets out some of the issues facing older workers and employers and provides a great tool to use in trying new
approaches and new ideas," Helen Kelly said.
ENDS