Older and wiser

By Kawalijt Singh, Wilson Browne Solicitors

Many older people are retiring from their career, for various reasons, such as reaching an age where they can take their private pension. However, they are finding they need something to enhance their quality of life and keep them in a social environment with many realising they still have the energy and passion to work.

Age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, however, ageism throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace still exists and prevails.

To counteract this, businesses are recruiting older employees to fill gaps in the hospitality industry. Vacancies in hospitality have risen, according to the Office of National Statistics, by 63% post-Covid and it has been suggested that older candidates could reduce the gap.

Retaining and recruiting the older generation of workers should be considered fundamental as the over 50’s represent one of the largest pools of the economically inactive groups of people, with more than 3.5 million being unemployed (according to Age UK.)

The 2023 Spring Budget introduced a £63 million funded ‘Returnership’ programme designed to encourage over 50’s to return to work. The offer focusses on flexibility and reduced training length to allow workers of all ages to commence on a new career. The initiative aims to act as an encouragement for employers to recruit and hire older workers.

Age should not be a barrier for securing a job and employers should be encouraged to review the language used in job adverts that could deter, and potentially amount to discrimination against, older workers. Perhaps rather than being referred to as ‘older workers’, the term ‘experienced’ should be the alternative label.

Money saving tips that adds up

According to the team at Hawsons Chartered Accountants, the impact of the increase in energy and fuel costs on the logistics and transport sector has been significant.

As a result, transport and logistic companies are looking to invest to help reduce costs and are looking to become more efficient with energy and fuel. Businesses should also consider using recycled materials to save money.

David Owens said: “Many businesses in the transport and logistics sector are reviewing their practices and processes to help you prevent the unnecessary loss of time and money. Taking time to understand the minor changes that could be made will help ensure that you have the best possible systems in place for the future. Spending time conducting due diligence and researching competitive prices will save money. Ensure that your contracts are what you need and at the lowest price before you sign.”