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Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures published today show the number of people aged 50 plus out of work has increased by nearly 15 per cent (14.2%) over the past three months¹ and those claiming Jobseekers Allowance has risen by 92.7 per cent over the past year. Commenting on the figures‚ Michelle Mitchell‚ Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged said:

“Thousands more 50 plus workers are facing the grim reality of unemployment for the first time and many more live in fear that their age will go against them when employers make further cuts. 

“Losing your job in your fifties is critical because in many cases‚ it brings people’s working lives to a premature end due to ageist attitudes which make it is so much harder for this group to get back into employment.

“While the recession is causing financial hardship for many people‚ the nightmare for the over 50s is only just beginning because job losses now will have a long-term affect on people’s ability to save for their pension‚ condemning many to a retirement blighted by poverty.

“We are calling on employers to see beyond applicants’ age and focus on the skills they have to offer to try and help people back into work as quickly as possible.  At the same time‚ Government must match the help they are providing for younger people and act swiftly to approve a package of measures to tackle rising unemployment among 50 plus workers.”

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Notes to Editors

1. Source: Labour Force Survey‚ June 2009.
The number of people aged 50+ out of work has risen to 356‚000‚ which is a rise of 14.2% (44‚000) over the last quarter and 47.8% (115‚000) over last year.

Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

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