Capital discrimination

12.00.00am GMT Tue 28th Feb 2006

The capital is the worst place in England to look for a job if you are over 50 years of age, the London Assembly has today revealed.

Inner London has the highest rate of unemployment amongst people over 50 in the whole of the country - twice the national average. More than 20 percent of London's unemployed are over 50. Someone over 50 who is made redundant is eight times less likely to return to work than a younger person.

The report, entitled "UB50?" by the Assembly's Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, said recent research found that one in five managers and personnel officers admitted to discriminating against workers on the grounds of age. Older workers are often perceived as having poor health, being slower learners, unable to grasp new ideas, and waiting for retirement. They are also less likely to have recently acquired skills and qualifications.

Committee Members said that while they welcome the Government's plans to outlaw age discrimination later this year, much more must be done to support older Londoners. They expressed concern that adult education policies are overly focused on young people. Those services that do exist to support older people tend to be limited by a lack of resources and a lack of coordination amongst the main providers.

The report makes a number of recommendations to Mayor Ken Livingstone:

There needs to be a coordinated and integrated approach to employment services for older people in London, within an over-arching strategy

More accurate research is needed to establish the numbers of older people looking for work, to ensure that the support services for older people receive the funding levels they require

The London Learning and Skills Councils need to prioritise people over 50 for education and training support

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Assembly's Economic Development Committee, said: "There is little doubt that employment opportunities for people over 50 represent a significant challenge for policy makers at all levels. But there are multiple benefits in ensuring older people play an active role in the London economy.

"There are already examples of good practice in the private, community and public sector across London. These need to be strengthened and expanded across the capital in a consistent manner."