Labour market statistics published today show that unemployment for 12 months or more is highest among the over-50s. TAEN – The Age and Employment Network warns that, despite a decrease in the latest period, unemployment is likely to rise among the over-50s and that older workers will need dedicated support to get back into employment.

389,000 people over the age of 50 were out of work in the March to May 2010 period. TAEN is concerned that, of the over-50s out of work, 44.6 per cent of men and 41.8 per cent of women have been unemployed for 12 months or more.

Economic inactivity among those between 50 and State Pension Age rose by 5,000 in the last period to 2.337 million, many of whom may want to work.  Of the increase, 4,000 were men.

TAEN also warns that cuts in public spending and subsequent job losses will disproportionately affect the over-50s, who make up nearly a third of the workforce in sectors like public administration, education and health.

Chris Ball, Chief Executive of TAEN, says:

“The long-term unemployment figures highlight the need for dedicated support for older workers to help them back into jobs and keep contributing to the economy. The fact that economic inactivity has increased again among the over-50s is also worrying.

“We believe the situation will get worse before it gets better as traditionally ‘age-friendly’ public sector employers begin to make cutbacks and redundancies. We fear that over-50s will bear the brunt of these cuts.

“Against the backdrop of Government proposals to phase out the Default Retirement Age and bring forward the date at which State Pension Age will rise, we need to make sure that staying in work is a viable option for older people.

“Older workers are going to need robust support from employers and Government. This includes early intervention to stave off long-term unemployment, access to training and development, opportunities like flexible working and, most importantly, jobs for them to move into. Today’s figures show just how much work employers, Government and organisations like TAEN have ahead of them.”