Government plans could increase consultancy jobs for older workers

Efforts by the government to assist those over the age of 50 in finding employment are to be welcomed.

This is the assertion of Work Wise UK chief executive Phil Flaxton, who noted that recent reports have focused on future increases in pensionable age for men and women, coupled with a lack of adequate preparation for retirement by many people.

He pointed out that some employers "regard people who have been in the workplace for a long time as more valuable than the younger generation because of the breadth of experience and knowledge that they have acquired".

According to Mr Flaxton, there is still a culture of ageism in the UK, but some employers are attempting to address this and employ workers over 50 and he praised the fact that people are no longer required to put their age on their CVs.

Older workers seeking consultancy jobs in London may also be interested in a £10 million government project targeting over 50s launched by work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper and aimed at providing employment training, support and advice.