REC to launch ‘Older Workers Pledge’

Nick Elvin

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has announced plans for an ‘Older Workers Pledge’.

The pledge, to be developed in association with Age UK, will be used by the recruitment industry professional body to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by older workers and champion best practice.

REC chief executive, Kevin Green said: “Older workers can face unique challenges in the jobs market which recruiters can help them address. The ultimate decision as to who is employed does not lie with recruiters, however, they have a duty to ensure they are compiling diverse long and short lists, and challenging unconscious bias wherever it arises.

“We are delighted to be working with Age UK to develop a new approach which aims to help more businesses realise the benefits that come from employing older workers.

“REC members have long recognised the importance of diversity in the workforce and ‘respect for diversity’ is one of the key principles in our Code for Professional Practice. Any evidence of discrimination can be addressed under the Equality Act 2010 as ‘age’ is one of the eight protected characteristics. We’re looking forward to working with government to raise awareness of this issue and launching our Older Workers Pledge later this year.”

The announcement follows the publication of a report by Ros Altmann, the Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers, which sets out ways to help more over-50s stay in or move into work.

In her report, Dr Altmann points out that if half of the 1.2 million older workers that are currently unemployed or inactive and would like to work, were to move into employment, this could boost UK GDP by up to £25 billion a year.

She welcomed the REC’s announcement, saying: “The recruitment industry has a really important role to play in facilitating the move towards fuller working lives and increased later life employment.

“With an ageing population, many of whom would like to work longer, businesses and recruiters have a wide pool of skills and experience available. Too often the talents of older applicants can be overlooked.”