Janet Finch-Saunders - 4. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government action to tackle age discrimination in Wales?

Carwyn Jones - Yes. We have a long history of supporting older people through our strategy for older people. Of course, we were the first country in the UK to recognise age-related hate crime as a significant issue.

Janet Finch-Saunders - Thank you, First Minister. Last week, the charity the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise Cymru warned that unemployed older people in Wales are potentially discriminated against in their search for work, with 214,000 jobless persons between the age of 50 and the state retirement age, compared to 62,000 younger persons without employment. While we welcome the progress that Jobs Growth Wales has had in creating some job opportunities for young people, I ask what actions your Government is taking to help those over 50 back into gainful employment.

Carwyn Jones - I can say, for example, that we expanded apprenticeships into an all-age programme over a decade ago. Apprenticeship frameworks offer a wide range of skills whatever the age of the apprentice. The level 3 apprenticeships, for example, are particularly attuned to the upskilling needs of adults as they require management skills, something that, generally, lends itself to a more experienced and mature person. I can also say that higher apprenticeships are often better suited to those aged over 25. They are a new offer within the programme as well. So, yes, Jobs Growth Wales is aimed at a particular age group but, nevertheless, there are other schemes that are deliberately aimed at those of any age.