A report warned the government that its National Health Service modernisation plans are in danger unless older people are encouraged against taking early retirement and more older staff are recruited to fill vacant health service posts.
Source: Sandra Meadows, Great to be Grey: How can the NHS recruit and retain more older staff?, King s Fund (020 7307 2591)
Links: Summary (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
The government launched an updated code of practice on age diversity, offering employers general guidance on how to improve their age-related policies.
Source: Being Positive about Age Diversity at Work: A practical guide for business, Department for Work and Pensions (08457 330360) Links: Code (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
A poll found that 90 per cent of people are unaware that it is lawful for employers to sack them on the grounds of their age.
Source: Press release 8.11.02, Age Concern England (020 8765 7200)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Nov
A survey found that older workers are becoming much more critical of the conditions attached to their work and are particularly unhappy with their working hours.
Source: Robert Taylor, Diversity in Britain's Labour Market, Economic and Social Research Council (01793 413000)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release (pdf)
Date: 2002-Oct
A survey examined the extent to which people in their fifties and sixties combine work with family caring responsibilities, and how this affects their attitudes to employment. The researchers concluded that the contribution of these carers may not be sustainable without more resources, such as flexible working hours, the opportunity to reduce hours or take a career break without financial penalties, and good-quality, affordable support for both carers and care recipients.
Source: Ann Mooney and June Statham with Antonia Simon, The Pivot Generation: Informal Care and Work after 50, Policy Press for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: JRF Findings 032
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/2, Digest 122, paragraph 5.5
Date: 2002-Oct
A report examined the experiences of people over 40 trying to enter the labour market, and found a lack of awareness of United Kingdom and European legislation on the employment of older people.
Source: SMA Associates, Past it at 40?: A grassroots view of ageism and discrimination in employment, Third Age Foundation (020 8748 9898)
Links: Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Sep
A report looked at how clients who joined New Deal 50plus found out about the programme, and their experiences of its delivery.
Source: BMRB International, New Deal 50 Plus: Regional Marketing Evaluation, WAE 130, Department for Work and Pensions (0114 259 6278)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123, paragraph 7.3
Date: 2002-Aug
An article examined patterns of economic inactivity among older men.
Source: C. Barham, 'Patterns of economic inactivity among older men', Labour Market Trends, June 2002, Office for National Statistics, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Article (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124 (paragraph 7.1)
Date: 2002-Jun
Researchers examined the provision by large employers for flexible retirement.
Source: Employers Forum on Age, Flexible Retirement: A Snapshot of Large Employers Initiatives, Department for Work and Pensions (020 7712 2171)
Links: Report (Word file)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/2, Digest 122 (paragraph 7.5)
Date: 2002-Jun
