23-03-2025
Worst area for older jobseekers revealed
The worst area for older jobseekers has been revealed.
A study by the Centre for Ageing Better found 'significant regional variations' in the employment of people over the age of 50.
The charity said its study showed there are more than three times as many 50-64-year-olds in work in the South East of England compared to the North East.
There are a million more older workers in the South East region compared to the North East, which the report estimated was delivering an additional annual boost to the local economy worth up to £86 billion.
The report added that the North West has the highest proportion of older people out of work because of ill-health.
The charity said there was a pronounced drop-off in employment rates for people aged 50 and above compared to younger age groups.
Dr Carole Easton, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said 'where you live has such a strong bearing on opportunities in life'.
Calling the jobs market 'ageist', she added:'The odds are already unfairly stacked against older workers in an ageist labour market but that can be significantly compounded by the local labour market you are trying to find employment in.'
She said regional inequalities combine with factors including 'poverty, poor health and disabilities'.
'When these regional inequalities combine with other factors such as poverty, poor health, or disability then the odds are really stacked against many people finding work in their 50s and 60s.
'The result is a detrimental impact on individuals' mental health and wellbeing, their finances and their ability to save for retirement.'
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