6 March 2006

Older workers make their mark

More older Kiwi workers are staying on the job, with New Zealand recording one of the highest workforce participation rates in the OECD for the 50-64 year age group, Department of Labour Group Manager for Workforce Policy Lesley Haines said.

An ‘Older People in Work’ report, released today, shows a surge in the number of older people in paid work – with 77 per cent of 50-64 year olds working in 2005, compared with just 57 per cent in 1991. Australia’s participation rate is around 10 percentage points lower.

“In today’s climate of skills and labour shortages, we’re observing more and more employers working to break down barriers to paid work for all age groups,” said Ms Haines.

“There’s growing recognition by business that older workers are an experienced and valuable pool of labour which will help meet skill needs. In return, these workers benefit from the social and economic gains of staying longer in paid work.

“In particular, the report shows participation by older women growing markedly - from about 45 per cent to about 70 per cent between 1991 and 2005 – which partly reflects the qualifications held and work opportunities available to this group today.

“Factors contributing to this growth include the fact that women are pursing careers across their lifetime, technological changes to the nature of work and ongoing skills shortages. Raising the age eligibility for superannuation has also played an important part.

Additional research out today, entitled ‘45 plus: Choices in the Labour Market’, provides an insight into drivers and barriers to paid work for people over the age of 45, Ms Haines said.

The research – which includes a quantitative survey, a qualitative study and a review of international and New Zealand literature on the issue – shows that many people in this age group still face barriers to taking up paid work.

“Some of the people in this age-group have responsibility for young children or grandchildren, or for relatives. Combining these responsibilities with paid work can be challenging.

“Other barriers faced by this age group included low or outdated skills, age discrimination (both experienced and perceived) and not knowing where to go for information about work.

"This research provides guidance to employers and policy makers about how to ensure older people who want to work, can do so," she said.

To view the reports, go to http://www.dol.govt.nz/browse-dol.asp

ENDS

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