Looking for a New Job After Fifty

The prospect of redundancy is especially ominous for older workers. They know that many employers are reluctant to take on anyone over 50 or sometimes even 45. Although age discrimination has been barred by law since 2006, everyone knows that it still continues to exist in suppressed form. Therefore, many over 50s head into redundancy, fearing that they will never work again.

Older People Remaining in the Workforce

In total, it has been estimated that around one million people in Britain aged between 50 and 65 would like to work but do not have the opportunity. Like most countries in the developed world, Britain has an ageing population. The proportion of older workers in the population as a whole has been increasing and is expected to increase further. This poses strong economic challenges because the economically inactive part of the population must be supported by the economically active part. One solution, which the government vigorously supports, is to increase the number of people who keep working into their 50s and 60s. Unfortunately for the idea to become a reality, companies must undergo a culture change, learning to value the contributions that older workers can make to the enterprise. This is beginning to happen, but still has a long way to go.

Are you IT-Literate?

One of the concerns potential employers tend to have about taking on older workers is that they may not be IT literate. A great many jobs today require some computer skills, and companies really don’t want to have to spend time giving basic tuition in subjects like what a mouse is and how to use one.

If you are confident in your knowledge of computers, a great way to show that to potential employers is to submit your job application electronically. When the recruitment manager sees a polished, well laid-out CV which has been expertly prepared in a word processing package, it will immediately be clear that this is someone who knows the basics of IT.

On the other hand, if you feel that the stereotype of the older person being unfamiliar with new technology happens in your case to be true, you should set about fixing that.

One option to consider is the European Computer Driving Licence, a qualification recognised throughout Europe which indicates to potential employers that you have mastered the basics of IT. There are many approved learning centres throughout Britain which offer the test itself or instruction in what you’ll need to learn to pass it. If you’re already familiar with computers, you may be able to pass the test straightaway, without any special tuition. If you do need to learn new skills, though, courses are available, both in-person and as distance learning options.

Special Help for the Over 50s Looking for Work

The government does offer special help for the over-50s who have been looking for work for some time without success. It’s called the New Deal for 50 Plus and is available from your local Jobcentre. You will be eligible for this programme if you have been looking for work and claiming benefits for six months or more. Once you join the programme, you will have your own personal adviser who will listen to you and discuss options for helping you get back to work. These might include, for example, training courses to help you learn new skills or tips on presenting yourself better to potential employers.

Once you find a job, having participated in the programme may mean that you are eligible for extra Working Tax Credit or for a training grant.

New Job After 50 – Conclusion

Experiencing redundancy in your late 40 or early 50s needn’t mean the end of your working life. Enlightened companies have already recognised the advantages that older workers bring, and the government is prodding other, less enlightened companies to follow suit.

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