Past it at 40? explores, in detail, the experiences of people over 40 trying to enter the labour market, including: people who have been made redundant; the long-term unemployed; women returners; people with disabilities; and people still in a job but needing new skills to keep going. Employers' attitudes, policies and practices are examined, revealing a worrying lack of awareness of national and European legislation in relation to the employment of older people.
The report suggests a series of practical recommendations for government, employers, job seekers, employment agencies and other relevant organisations to ensure that as many people as possible, from all age groups, can find suitable work which benefits both employers and the wider economy. In particular it advocates an holistic approach to helping older people into work.
With current concerns about the effects of the ageing population on future pension provision, and, as this report shows, the striking lack of pension provision for many people now in their forties and fifties, the policy implications are more significant than ever.