Age UK statement on Labour Market Statistics

Commenting on the number of 50-plus workers trapped in long-term unemployment revealed in today's Labour Market statistics, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'As 2011 unfolds, hundreds of thousands of older workers are facing job cuts and rising inflation, with the risk of long-term unemployment looming.

'Long-term unemployment after 50 is a devastating way to end a working life. It can blow a hole in financial plans for a secure retirement, so it is vital that older workers who lose their jobs are given sufficient training options and support to find work quickly. The Government needs to help by promoting the benefits of older workers to employers, ensuring the needs of older workers are reflected in employment programmes and supporting self-employment.'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Age UK

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work in partnership with local Age UKs and local Age Concerns in England and with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and with our international partner Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Hong Ling Dyer
Tel: 020 8765 7511
Out of hours: 07071 243 243