Short Debate  Older People and Work: Recognising the Contribution of Older People in the Workplace across Wales
Janet Finch-Saunders
Data from the Office for National Statistics show that around a third of all currently inactive older people would actually like to work. By 2030, the overall economic contribution of older people to the UK economy is set to have increased by 82%, in real terms, from 2010. However, with this in mind, it is critical that the older people of Wales are given the right encouragement to become, and remain, economically and occupationally active. The latest data show 41% of people in this age group claiming jobseeker’s allowance in Wales, and they have been doing so for more than 12 months, compared to 18.5% of people aged 18 to 24. We have to get these older people into work, and I have constantly asked the Minister, previous Ministers and the First Minister whether they are able to identify and name a scheme—just one—that would actually secure employment and training for those over 50.