§ 2. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people aged 55 years and over are registered as unemployed in the Stockport travel-to-work area.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. Michael Alison)At 15 April there were 1,653 people aged 55 years and over registered as unemployed in the Stockport employment office area.
§ Mr. BennettDoes the Minister appreciate that it is extremely depressing for people in this age group to trail around from employer to employer seeking jobs, only to be told that they are too old? Will the Government either allow them to retire and have the dignity of being pensioners, or offer positive inducements to firms to take on people over the age of 55?
§ Mr. AlisonI agree that it is depressing, whatever one's age, to go regularly to look for work and to be unsuccessful on every occasion. However, the unemployment rate among those aged 55 and over is marginally below the United Kingdom average for unemployed of all ages. That suggests that a premium is attached to mature, adult and, indeed, quite elderly workers—a premium that youngsters often do not have.
§ Mr. McNallyIs the Minister aware that in areas such as Stockport many older workers have vast experience and skills in high technology industries? As the Secretary of State has said that he wishes to train inexperienced youngsters, will the Government consider schemes to wed to the two factors—the lack of skill among the young, and unemployment among older workers who have skills and experience to transfer?
§ Mr. AlisonThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the new training initiative, which my right hon. Friend was responsible for launching and developing, covers all age 4 groups and seeks to offer opportunities for training right across the age spectrum, including the more mature and adult workers.