Nearly one million over-50s struggle to secure employment, survey finds

Nearly one million UK workers aged over 50 are now struggling to secure employment, according to the latest labour market figures.

Data from the Labour Force Survey revealed that 917,000 people aged between 50 and 66 are currently unemployed, with the figure rising to 996,743 when workers aged 66 to 70 are included.

Industry leaders said the increase has been driven by a combination of rising employer costs, changing workplace expectations and widening skills gaps.

Rod Flavell, CEO at FDM Group, said: “The scale of untapped senior talent is detrimental to UK growth, leaving senior professionals with extended spells out of the labour market, and skills gaps that are hard to bridge due to rapidly evolving technology and working norms.”

The rise in over-50s unemployment comes following the introduction of the Employment Rights Act and increases in employer National Insurance contributions, both of which are placing additional financial pressure on businesses.

At the same time, employers are being required to respond to greater demand for flexible working arrangements, particularly from older workers managing health conditions or caring responsibilities.

According to Flavell, older workers remain an underused resource at a time when businesses are struggling to recruit in growth sectors such as AI and technology.

He said: “From what we’re seeing in the market, these experienced staff are significantly underutilised, especially during a period where businesses are crying out for skills in fast growing areas such as AI.