50% of unemployed men aged 50+ are out of work for at least a year

February 7, 2022

There were nearly 200,000 men aged 50 and older out of work between September and November 2021 – an increase of 24% in two years – and 50% of them were unemployed for at least a year, according to new analysis from Rest Less.

Rest Less analysed the latest labour market data from the Office of National Statistics to find that unemployed men aged 50+ are significantly more likely to be in long-term unemployment (out of work for at least a year**) than any other age group. In September – November 2021, there were 99,000 men aged 50+ out of work for at least 12 months – up from 59,000 (a 69% increase) in the same time period two years prior. A significant 28% of unemployed men aged 50 and older were unemployed for two years or more (up from 25% two years ago).

Rest Less also compared the latest long-term unemployment by age group data with two years ago, pre-Covid. The analysis shows that the pandemic has exacerbated long-term unemployment amongst all age groups. Across all age groups over the past two years, the proportion of people unemployed for at least 12 months has increased.Lewis concluded: “The long-term unemployment of any group of individuals is bad news for everyone.

We’d like to see the government provide more targeted support, retraining and career re-entry points to unemployed workers in their 50s and 60s.”Emily Andrews, Deputy Director for Evidence at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The shape of the post-pandemic employment crisis is now clear, and it’s the over 50swho are hardest hit, suffering the consequence of an ageist labour market.‘Following many years of growth, the employment rate among 50-64s is now falling. As well as those who are now unemployed, we are seeing large numbers who are leaving the workforce altogether.

‘But, the large investment made in the Plan for Jobs gives the Government a huge opportunity to ensure that 50+ jobseekers are provided with tailored, individualised support from trained advisors."

Subscribe to VRA Newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest from VRA and our industry.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Related Articles

You may also like...

More news, articles and membership exclusives

Andrea Collin featured in an article in OTNews

March 20, 2023

Here at the VRA work really is our business. In the February 2023 edition of the OT News we ask the question "Work - is it really everyone's business?"

Health and Wellbeing @ Work

March 8, 2023

With 17 successful years of leading the way in improving workforce health, wellbeing and culture.

The Commission on the Future of Employment Support

November 10, 2022

The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has launched the Commission on the Future of Employment Support to develop evidence-led proposals for reform of our system of employment support and services.

Support with Employee Health and Disability service

October 20, 2022

Thousands of businesses across the UK will benefit from a new £6.4 million online service to help employers better support disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace.

Contact
Get In Touch

Got a question or need some help? Please feel free to contact a us and a member of the team will get back to you asap!

By filling out this form, you agree to the terms laid out in our privacy policy
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Benefits
Become a Member

Being a VRA member does not just open the door to exciting opportunities in your career development. It also gives you access to a first-class range of services designed to support you in your professional life.

Search
Find a Practitioner

Looking for help with Career Direction, Assessment, Health or VR Management? Use our directory to find a Practitioner to meet your specific needs today!

Discover Practitioners
Already a Practitioner | Sign In