§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence she has on the relative levels of difficulty being experienced by persons aged over 55 years in the securing of employment.
§ Mr. McLoughlinUnemployment rates are lower for those aged 56 and over than for younger people, and they have been falling over recent years, so older people who wish to work are more successful than others in securing employment.
Many employers recognise the qualities, experience and reliability of older people. We have recently set up an advisory group on older workers which I chair, to seek out examples of good practice and persuade other employers that it is worth their while to follow suit. The advisory group met for the first time in February, and I am pleased with the progress made.