Over-50s job prospects ‘a real problem’

An expert has warned that older workers who choose to take voluntary redundancy often underestimate the difficulties of getting back into work and claimed employers are also largely unaware of the issue.

Employers' Forum on Age campaign director Rachel Krys observed that staff aged over 50 tend to receive larger redundancy payouts due to statutory terms and may therefore be more tempted to accept such packages.

"For people's job prospects in the long-term, it is a real problem," she explained. "Individuals may be making a short-term decision and don't realise how difficult it is to get into the market."

Ms Krys added that one organisation she had recently worked with had seen 20 employees take redundancy payments, with each of those laid off being aged over 50.

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Bosses looking for practical advice on how to maintain morale and nurture talent could benefit from taking part in the Talent Management and Leadership Development Summit 2010 at London's Aldersgate House next month.

Posted by Ross George