PHOENIX Group is hosting a dedicated 50+ jobs fair on 3rd July in an effort to break down the barriers older workers face when trying to find good quality work later in life.
The number of over-50s in the United Kingdom who are not working has remained stubbornly high since the pandemic, despite many people saying they want to work. Older workers possess valuable experience and skills that can be beneficial to businesses but there is often bias against older workers and a lack of support available to help people get good quality jobs.
The event at Phoenix Group’s Edinburgh office between 10:30am and 3:30pm on 3 July, and organised in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, is open to anyone age 50+ who registers using this link.
The event will make it easier for over-50s to find good jobs by bringing employers such as Phoenix Group, Diligenta, and Lloyds who have roles they want to fill, together with individuals.
Kerry Dewar, HR Director for Phoenix Group’s Open business, said:
“We value our colleagues’ life experiences and we welcome the skills they develop over the course of their careers. Good quality work can provide individuals with welcome extra income as well as promoting wider social and physical benefits.
“The high cost of living has meant that some people who have left employment now want to return, while others have been out of the labour market for a long time, and some people are looking to switch careers. We want to support all of those individuals by bringing large employers and job seekers together to match skills and opportunities for the benefit of both employers and job seekers.
“Phoenix Group aims to be the best place anyone has ever worked and we know it is important to provide colleagues with a wide ranging reward and support package so they feel valued, welcome and highly motivated.
“This includes providing flexible working from day one, private medical cover and support for people who have caring responsibilities with 10 days paid carers leave. We know the difference this can make to people and would always encourage other employers who are able, to provide this kind of support too.
Research from Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, in its ‘Retirement Voice’ research found 54 % of people expect to work past the state retirement age, 15% of over 65s have unretired and 20% of people are thinking of ways to increase their regular income.
Alison Findlater, Group Director, East & North Scotland at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and National Operational Lead for 50Plus, said:
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Phoenix to host the jobs fair specifically aimed at our 50+ customers in Edinburgh. People aged 50+ have a wealth of experience to offer to an employer and make a hugely valuable contribution to our economy. DWP is working closely with employers nationwide to promote age-friendly practices and ensure that all our customers have the best possible chance of finding employment.
“Our jobcentres see every day the difference that a good job can make in someone’s life, and this is just as true for our 50+ customers as anyone else. I’m proud to lead our 50PLUS champions, who work across all our jobcentres to ensure that DWP offers tailored support to 50+ customers, whether it be building customers’ confidence to make a career change or return to work or raising awareness of what the benefits of earning in the years before retirement can be. And of course, supporting events with employers, such as this one in Edinburgh, are a crucial part of that work.”
