§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of people over the age of(a) 70, (b) 65, (c) 60, (d) 55 and (e) 50 years were in employment in (i) 2001–02, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1990–91 and (iv) 1980–81; and if he will make a statement. [99835]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownWe are vigorously promoting the benefits of age diversity and the recruitment, training and retention of older workers to employers through our Age Positive campaign. The campaign focuses on raising employers' awareness of the business case for an age diverse workforce and encourages them to use the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment to inform their employment policies.
Our recent Green Paper "Simplicity, security and choice: Working and saving for retirement" published on 17 December 2002 sets out our proposals for encouraging the adoption of flexible approaches to retirement, giving people the choice to stay in work longer.
187WThe information requested on employment rates is in the table.
Estimated employment rates Percentage 50 and over 55 and over 60 and over 65 and over 70 and over 1981 35.6 26.9 15.4 6.2 3.5 1991 31.5 22.6 12.6 5.1 2.8 1998 33.5 22.3 12.1 5.1 2.5 2002 36.0 25.5 13.3 5.3 2.5 Notes:
1. The LFS is a sample survey and as such estimates are subject to sampling error.
2. The LFS does not cover individuals in certain communal establishments, including residential or nursing care facilities.
3. Estimates are not consistent with census 2001 interim adjustments.
Source:
Labour Force Survey (LFS), spring of each year