Opportunity for all: Work and Learning in Later Life - A Transnational ESF Project
Do you or your organisation have an interest in the current debate on extending working life and the default retirement age? Do you have examples of related good practice happening in the North East? We are looking to engage a wide range of partners in a new project which will examine the issues of working into later life including:
- Individual older people (40 years old plus)
- Individual businesses and business/trade organisations
- Local and regional Government
- Public and Third Sector organisations
Evidence suggests that in the future the North East will have a smaller workforce and an ageing population with those aged 65 and above being the only age group projected to grow in size in the North East over the next 15 years. This evidence has further increased the importance of involving and engaging a greater number of older workers in the region’s labour market and economy.
However, the current economic inactivity rate for people aged 50 to retirement is 10% higher in the North East than the England average and many older people who become economically inactive have out of date skills and difficulties re-entering the labour market. In addition, people living in the North East of England suffer from some of the poorest health in the country and are more likely to have some form of disability at the age of 65. This creates equality challenges in the region, in relation to health and longevity, that can be key barriers to working in later life.
If the region’s economy and communities are to prosper in the future, we must look to better understand the views and attitudes of individuals and employers on working in to later life, to ensure the right responses, interventions and services are available to all at various stages of life.
The Project
This joint NIACE and Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and Health research project, supported by the European Social Fund, will provide evidence and clarity on the perspectives, experience and expectations of working in to later life from both older workers and employers. Issues that will be addressed in the project include:
- Extending working life and issues of choice, flexibility, equality
- The quality and effectiveness of lifelong learning, training and information, advice and guidance
- The importance of health and well being in the work place
- The wider opportunities for older people in volunteering and enterprise
The aim is that project findings will feed in to initiatives to develop and improve service provision and influence future local, regional and national government policy to create the right environment for business to grow and all older workers to achieve their full potential. The project will also identify regional good practice to promote both nationally and internationally.
Further Information and to contribute to the project
If you wish to find out more about the project or contribute to the work please contact Kasia Kurowska, Project Officer, Engagement Team, Newcastle University, Institute for Ageing and Health, tel: 0191 248 1287 direct dial.
Publications and Government Consultation Responses
Publications:
Evaluation Report: ESF Enterprise Pilot June 2010 – January 2011
Demographic Change and an Ageing Population: The Policy Context
Government Consultation Responses:
Consultation Response to BIS’s Modern Workplace Consultation
Appendix A: Changing Age Charter
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Business Seminar: Will you still need me when I’m 64 66? on 19th November 2010
National Workshop: Getting Business Ready for an Ageing Society, Workshop, Newcastle, on 10 February 2011
Business Seminar: Working Better - Making the most of the business opportunities from flexible working practices, on 11th March 2011
Public Event: RIP Retirement? Exploring and debating current issues, on 6th April 2011
