Newcastle University experts call for change in Government's approach to ageing workers; Calls from experts for new cross-department taskforce to better support the needs of UK's ageing workforce.
Byline: Craig Thompson
Experts in the North East today called on the Government to establish a taskforce to better support the UK's ageing workforce population.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of cohesion on policy when it comes to helping the increasing numbers of people now working into their older years.
Today experts from Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing are asking the Government to establish a new cross-departmental taskforce, specifically focused on the issue.
Professor Louise Robinson, director of the Institute and professor of Primary Care and Ageing, said: "People are living and working longer and our concept of what life looks like for over 55s is changing.
"Government policy needs to respond to this trend. It must ensure there are opportunities available to those who want or need to continue working and that support is available for those unable to continue in full time employment.
"While positive steps have already been taken, for instance the removal of the Default Retirement Age, more work is needed.
"In particular, Government needs to adopt a more joined-up approach. People do not make decisions about their employment without thinking about their finances and their health, so Government departments must think this way too.
"At the moment, departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health are not doing enough to work together. A cross-departmental taskforce should be set up to ensure that work, pension, health and care policies are integrated, not treated as separate issues."
The Institute recommends this taskforce is chaired by a new Business Champion for Older Workers, urging the Government to appoint somebody to this position as soon as possible to replace Baroness Ros Altmann CBE, now Minister of State for Pensions.
Prof Robinson added: "Baroness Altmann did great work in championing the needs of older workers. Now the Government must continue her work by appointing a new Business Champion for Older Workers to head up this new taskforce."
The Institute of Ageing has called for all draft legislation to be thoroughly assessed to ensure that any potentially negative consequences for other areas of life are mitigated against. They also highlight the need for quality health and care services, ensuring availability to care for...
To continue reading
Request your trial