Older workers ‘unretiring’ could kickstart economy by filling vital job gaps

PEOPLE are living longer – but should we work longer too?

The Office for National Statistics says a third of the workforce is aged over 50.

By 2030, it is predicted, 47 per cent of over-50s will be working.

Data shows over-50s are LEAVING the jobs market faster than other age groups too.

But with more than a million vacancies unfilled out there, older staff could help kickstart the economy by “unretiring”.

As well as experience, mature workers bring people skills, flexibility over working hours and can mentor younger colleagues.

Catherine Foot, director of longevity think tank Phoenix Insights, said: “We need to rethink retirement as not a cliff edge between a life of hard work and a life of quiet relaxation but as a ‘glide path’ where work can shift to suit our needs and preferences as we age, so we lean out of work more gradually.”

Employers actively taking on “unretirees” include Deliveroo, Capita, Sky, Legal & General and the NHS. Deliveroo, for example, has more than 2,000 riders aged 60 or over.

Nearly two thirds of them have signed up since January 2021.

When the pandemic hit, Jesus Zilite, 66, from Edinburgh, gave up his role as a hotel kitchen porter to ride for the food delivery firm.

He now works as a bicycle delivery rider for 20 hours a week, while also holding down a part-time supermarket job.

Jesus says: “I started riding with Deliveroo during lockdown and haven’t looked back. The biggest benefit for me is the flexibility.

"I now have more time to spend with my nieces and the rest of my family. I work whenever I want to around other commitments.

"I make my deliveries on a bike, which certainly helps me stay active — and at my age I can really see the health benefits.

Shades of grey can pay

WANT to make the most of an older workforce?

Diversity and inclusion expert MIichelle O'Mahoney, from Heyoka Blume Coaching, reveals reasons to hire more mature staff . . .

1. LOYALTY AND STABILITY: Hiring takes time and money. Older workers are much less likely to “job hop” and have fewer responsibilities outside work, so can be more focused.
2. EXPERIENCE AND CONFIDENCE: Mature staff have learned over the years about making decisions, solving problems, confidently assessing risks, and so on.
3. COACHING AND MENTORING: They can impart wisdom to younger staff, with both patience and a healthy dose of realism. Many firms have set up mentoring networks to harness this.
4. NON-COMPETITIVE AND NON-POLITICAL: They are not into corporate games. They have been there, seen it, played the game and got the T-shirt. They do not need to prove themselves and climb the ladder, but know their worth. Do not underestimate how refreshing this is.
5. COLLABORATIVE LEADERS: Older and wiser employees know the value of teamwork and can lead with stability and maturity. This can make the difference between failure and success.
6. DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION: Our workplaces have to reflect society, and society is getting older. The best teams are multi-generational. The wisdom of age and enthusiasm of youth are a complementary combination.