Grey Power on older workers

Grey Power is concerned that an article which ran in the NZ Herald this morning may give the wrong impression to the public.

“We believe the article is a little misleading in that it suggests that the older workers are taking the jobs of the young people simply by doing a comparison of teens on the dole as opposed to over 65s still working which does not automatically equate to older persons taking young persons jobs,” said Mr Roy Reid, National President of the Grey Power Federation.

“Also, often older workers have certain areas of expertise that a young person does not have. For example, we have fielded a number of calls from employers who require older tradesmen that are familiar with, and able to keep running, more antiquated machinery in order to save replacement costs. There are also some employers that prefer to employ older persons because of their work ethic, reliability, and time keeping. They recognise that generally with older workers they have better staff retention with staff turnover less which is a big advantage.”

“Some older people continue to work because of financial necessity due to many reasons, perhaps having worked on low wages all their life and, without built up savings, they need to supplement their income or perhaps wives who divorce later in life and find themselves in financial straits. Compared with a few decades ago the general health of older people is such that they are able to work (not always full time) and feel good about doing so.”

“Employers often have them act as mentors and trainers for younger persons within the workforce.”

Grey Power has regularly expressed its concern to Government about the high number of unemployed under 24 and has been advocating training schemes and employment opportunities. “It is in the country’s interests to have full employment,” said Mr Reid.

Grey Power National Internet Site: www.greypower.co.nz

ENDS

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