Reading: Supporting the unemployed over 50s

Published by

TBM Team

With twice as many over 50s unemployed in Reading than under 24 year olds, support is urgently needed to help mature workers back into the workplace. A unique sell-out event 'Re: Your Future' at Reading’s Green Park Conference Centre later this month sets out to address the issue and provide much-needed support to this forgotten part of the workforce.Aimed specifically at mature workers – typically over 50 – this is the first event of its kind for the region. Taking place on September 23, it brings together employers, advice and support agencies, as well as professionals who can help the over 50s look to the future – whether that’s a change of career, actually finding a job, or thinking about life in retirement.

"There is a real concern about the lack of support for older workers – with all the support and funding currently firmly focussed on the under 24s … while the Reading area has twice as many unemployed over 50’s as the younger cohort,” said Sue Brackley of Reading UK CIC.

“Over 50s unemployment is a bigger challenge in our region than youth unemployment. There are plenty of agencies working to support the under 25s into training and jobs – but the same does not apply to mature workers when facing redundancy or major changes to their life – often while juggling a lot of responsibilities that young people don’t have.”

With people expected to work until 67 – if not older – 'Re: Your Future' is shining a light on the barriers facing people in their mid-years, whether that’s loss of confidence, not appreciating the transferable skills they have and facing rapidly changing employment practises.

The event, organised by Reading UK CIC and Sintassi, and supported by Oxford Properties, is free of charge. It takes place on September 23 at Green Park Conference Centre between 10am – 2pm.