Event spotlighting the benefits of an age-inclusive workplace

 A spotlight on employment and older people – Senedd Cymru, Cardiff, 31 January 2023

During the pandemic older people were more likely to leave the workforce than any other age group and for many, the door to re-employment remains firmly closed.  Older people can face many barriers to accessing and staying in employment, such as the lack of flexible working for those with caring responsibilities or those living with long term health conditions. But, given the right support, those who want to carry on working into later life can thrive in the workplace.

With the current cost-of-living crisis hitting older people particularly hard, it is more important than ever that we enable older people to enter and stay in employment, should they wish to do so.  Older people who are supported to carry on working can become more resilient to the current cost-of-living crisis, and thereby develop a more financially secure future. 

That is why Age Cymru and its partners have organised an in-person event ‘A spotlight on employment and older people’ that is being held at the Senedd buildings in Cardiff on 31 January 2023 from 12pm to 2pm.    

The event is based on a collection of essays written in 2022 by academics, employers, and older employees for Age Cymru’s academic journal EnvisAGE. 

Sponsored by Mike Hedges MS, the event will explore how employers in Wales are creating workplaces where older workers can thrive, and the benefits that a mixed aged workforce can bring to organisations. It will also explore some of the barriers that older people face when seeking or trying to remain in employment. 

The Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething MS will provide a focus on Welsh Government’s priorities regarding work and older people, and there will also be presentations from Professor John Williams, Emeritus Professor, Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University and chair of Age Cymru; Dr Martin Hyde, Associate Professor in Gerontology at Swansea University; and Sue Husband OBE, Director, Business in The Community (Cymru).

While Glynis Scarico from the age inclusive employer Legal & General will explain how they benefit from employing a mixed-aged workforce.  And one of their employees, Vivienne Russell, will talk first-hand about how they have personally benefited from working for an age-friendly organisation.

In addition to the presentations there will be an opportunity to network and view information stands relevant to the older workforce.  Light refreshments will also be available for guests.   

If you would like to attend, please contact Dr Ceri Cryer at ceri.cryer@agecymru.org.uk, or call 029 2043 1555.  Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

Notes to editors

To view our academic journal, EnvisAge visit www.agecymru.org.uk/envisage