Older Workers, Ageism, and Labour Force Change: The Challenge to Employment Policy

Abstract

The rapid decline in older people in paid employment has been one of the most remarkable features of the UK labour market over the last decade. This has been most acute among older men in the 55 to 64 age group. The causes of this trend have been variously attributed to aggressive ‘de‐selection’ policies in companies aimed at older employees during the recession of the early 80s; targetted programmes to raise labour — cost productivity; and enhanced provision for early retirement. Changing social values, personal choice and the impact of government programmes have also played a role.

Citation

Parsons, D.J. (1989), "Older Workers, Ageism, and Labour Force Change: The Challenge to Employment Policy", Management Research News, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 19-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb028025