At least a million workers aged between 50 and 64 are out of work involuntarily, with caring responsibilities being one of the main reasons. Why aren't they being supported?
New ONS figures today show that 3.4 million key workers are over the age of 50, making up almost a third of all key workers. An estimated 130,000 key workers are over the age of 70.
The evidence so far shows that younger workers are likely to be hit hard by the economic fallout of coronavirus. But the devastation is likely to hit all ages - with particularly long-lasting consequences for older workers.
The COVID-19 control measures meant that, overnight, anyone who could work from home was asked to do so. For many businesses and employees, this would be their first experience working from home.
The NHS is calling on 65,000 retired staff to return to support the fight against COVID-19: Who are they, why did they leave and what can they expect when they return?
While some employers are already making headway in creating age-friendly workplaces, increased education and uptake of inclusive practices is needed to keep more of us in work for longer.
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