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15/09/2004
Billions lost through over 50s unemployment, says audit report
Relatively low levels of employment among older workers costs the economy £19 to £31 billion a year in lost output, reduced taxes and increased welfare payments, according to the National Audit Office.
In its latest report, the office said that around 2.7 million people between 50 and state pension age do not work. Currently, almost half are receiving incapacity benefits, many on a long-term basis.
Between 700,000 and one million of those currently inactive say they would like to work, with some 200,000 seeking employment, although they are confronted by one or more barriers to finding a job, the report found.
The NAO also said that the scheme specifically for older workers - New Deal 50 Plus - has helped more than 120,000 people into work at an estimated cost of £270 million, although an "unknown number of these people would have found jobs anyway".
The report also identified age discrimination on the part of some employers as an "ongoing and significant problem".
NAO head Sir John Bourn said that good progress had been made in "increasing the employment rate for older people".
He added: "There is scope for government agencies to focus their efforts on improving the employability of older people and for targeting disadvantaged groups. Success will bring benefits not only for the individual, but also for business, the taxpayer and the economy at large."
(gmcg)
In its latest report, the office said that around 2.7 million people between 50 and state pension age do not work. Currently, almost half are receiving incapacity benefits, many on a long-term basis.
Between 700,000 and one million of those currently inactive say they would like to work, with some 200,000 seeking employment, although they are confronted by one or more barriers to finding a job, the report found.
The NAO also said that the scheme specifically for older workers - New Deal 50 Plus - has helped more than 120,000 people into work at an estimated cost of £270 million, although an "unknown number of these people would have found jobs anyway".
The report also identified age discrimination on the part of some employers as an "ongoing and significant problem".
NAO head Sir John Bourn said that good progress had been made in "increasing the employment rate for older people".
He added: "There is scope for government agencies to focus their efforts on improving the employability of older people and for targeting disadvantaged groups. Success will bring benefits not only for the individual, but also for business, the taxpayer and the economy at large."
(gmcg)
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