Supporting over-50s in a changing labour market

• The UK's ageing population means supporting people aged 50 and over into sustainable employment is no longer optional but essential for a resilient and inclusive labour market.
• Older workers often face barriers including age discrimination, health conditions, skills gaps, and caring responsibilities, but personalised support can help them overcome these challenges.
• Through Working Well Support to Succeed, the Growth Company helped thousands of over-50s improve their confidence, skills, and employability, demonstrating the value of person-centred employment support.

The UK's population has undergone a significant demographic shift in recent decades. People are living longer, and the proportion of older adults in the population continues to grow. In response, successive governments have gradually increased the state pension age, with many experts predicting that retirement could move closer to 70 by the middle of the century.

Against this backdrop, conversations about work and ageing can no longer sit on the periphery of employment policy or organisational planning. Tailored employment support for people aged 50 and over isn't simply desirable. It's essential.

Older workers bring valuable experience, resilience, and knowledge to the labour market, yet many continue to encounter barriers that affect their confidence, wellbeing, and overall job prospects.

Creating a labour market fit for the future requires investment in age-appropriate employment support that is both practical and compassionate.

Programmes that recognise the unique challenges facing older workers are crucial to making sure they can continue to contribute and thrive.

The challenges facing older workers

Like people of all ages, workers over 50 can face a range of challenges when looking for work or returning to work.

These may include age-related discrimination, skills gaps caused by rapid technological change, and caring responsibilities that often fall disproportionately on older adults.

Many are also managing long-term health conditions and require greater flexibility, understanding from employers, and access to roles that minimise physical demands while offering a broader range of working arrangements.

Over time, these challenges can have a significant impact on confidence and motivation. Left unaddressed, they can make employment feel increasingly out of reach. However, with the right support and interventions, many of these barriers can be successfully overcome.

A personalised approach to employment support

Working Well Support to Succeed (STS) demonstrated the impact that effective, person-centred employment support can have on people aged 50 and over.

For two years, the Growth Company delivered the programme across Greater Manchester, providing local support that recognised every individual's circumstances and aspirations.

Through personalised guidance, expert careers advice and opportunities to develop new skills, participants were supported to rebuild their confidence and take positive steps towards sustainable employment.

The programme's outcomes highlight its success:

• 2,427 people aged 50 and over accessed the programme
• 1,976 participants had structural barriers reduced
• 1,632 reported improved employability through the development of interpersonal skills
• 253 people moved directly into employment, representing 10% of participants
• 1,863 participants chose to pursue life skills development or further education

Reflecting on the programme's impact, Helen Aspinall, who led Support to Succeed, emphasised the importance of personalised and consistent support:

"Delivering Support to Succeed for residents over 50 has been a privilege, especially alongside a supply chain so committed to supporting people whose barriers and needs are often overlooked.

"The key-worker-led approach has helped people reconnect with their communities, rebuild confidence, and overcome personal challenges at a pace that feels right for them.

"Seeing the difference that consistent, compassionate support can make, not just in employment outcomes but in people's wider wellbeing, social connections, and the positive social impact across our communities, has been incredibly worthwhile and rewarding."

Duane's journey back into work

The impact of this approach can be seen in the experience of participants such as Duane.

At the age of 52, Duane had spent years facing addiction and unemployment. Limited work experience and a lack of formal qualifications made returning to work particularly difficult.

Traditional employment routes often failed to meet his needs, but through Support to Succeed, he received tailored support designed around his individual circumstances.

Working closely with his key worker, Duane rediscovered his passion for theatre and became involved in a local workshop. He also received practical assistance, including funded travel, access to a laptop and one-to-one IT coaching.

These opportunities helped him rebuild his confidence, strengthen his CV and improve his interview skills.

The support ultimately enabled Duane to secure a role with High Level Recovery Service, where he now uses his lived experience to help others facing similar challenges.

"The programme has given me the chance to believe in myself again," said Duane. "I never thought I'd be in the position of being a staff member for the addiction service I used to attend. This is all thanks to help from Support to Succeed."

Creating a workforce that works for all ages

Stories like Duane's demonstrate the transformative impact that targeted employment support can have. They also highlight the need for continued investment in programmes that help older workers overcome barriers and realise their potential.

Supporting people over 50 into and within employment should be a standard part of workforce development, not an afterthought.

Investing in older workers helps tackle age-related stigma, strengthens workforce diversity, improves organisational resilience and contributes to more productive and inclusive workplaces.

Confidence and career progression do not become guaranteed with age. Like any stage of life, they require encouragement, opportunity and support.

Building a labour market that values people for their skills and potential, rather than their age, is essential to ensuring everyone can participate fully in the economy.

If Greater Manchester, and the UK more widely, is to develop a labour market that truly reflects the society it serves, recognising the unique needs and considerable strengths of older workers must remain a priority.

Through programmes such as Working Well: Support to Succeed, the Growth Company has seen first-hand the difference that personalised, compassionate support can make, not only for individuals but for communities and employers alike.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the health and wellbeing support that we deliver.