Back in March, Jeremy Hunt declared the government's intention to introduce “a new kind of apprenticeship targeted at the over 50s who want to return to work” which he referred to as “Returnerships”. These programs were intended to operate alongside skills boot camps and sector-based work academies, bringing together existing skills initiatives to cater to the unique needs of older workers. The focus was on flexibility and leveraging prior experience to reduce training durations.

However, nearly six months after the announcement, the options available to over-50s are limited to existing schemes, such as the Department for Work and Pensions' Midlife MOT website, as well as apprenticeships and skills boot camps, which are primarily designed as alternatives to university for younger individuals.

Existing support for older workers

Schools’ minister, Nick Gibb, acknowledged the significant drop in employment among the over-50s following the pandemic and stated that the current policy aims to guide this age group towards existing training opportunities. He pointed out that the strong economy, with unemployment at around 3.7%, has created challenges for employers in filling job vacancies, necessitating the return of those who had taken themselves out of the workforce. The government is committed to facilitating this transition back into work.

The government's support for older workers includes the forthcoming Lifelong Loan Entitlement, which will offer individuals a loan of approximately £37,000 to use for various courses throughout their working lives, allowing for career changes or returning to work after an absence.

obstacles for older job seekers

A report from the Work and Pensions Committee earlier this year highlighted that older workers made redundant during the pandemic were only half as likely as younger workers to secure employment within six months. Government statistics reveal that only 5% of participants in skills boot camps, fall within the 55 to 67-year-old age group. Additionally, ministers have acknowledged a lack of data on the uptake of the Midlife MOT offered in job centres.