REC calls for debate on employment implications of raising the state pension age

Following this week’s announcement by the Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton that an increase in the state pension age from 2020 is inevitable, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has renewed calls for an urgent debate on practical measures needed to help older workers back into the labour market . As the representative body for the agencies at the front line of the recruitment process, the REC agrees that any raising of the state pension age would have to be accompanied by tailored support to help people back into work and by the promotion of flexible working options.

Commenting on the practical implications of John Hutton’s announcement, Gareth Osborne, Managing Director of the REC said: An increase in the state pension age will only be workable if there are viable employment opportunities for those who want them. Flexible working options such as part-time and temporary work will become increasingly important which is another reason for ensuring that any future UK or EU employment regulations do not have a negative impact on this flexibility. One other practical issue is the need to address misconceptions and employer attitudes with regards to the recruitment of older workers. As a result, the REC is already working in co-operation with the Department for Work & Pensions and with JobCentre Plus in the promotion of the Diversity Pledge for both public and private sector recruiters. One of the specific aims of this initiative is to challenge pre-conceptions and discriminatory practices and to facilitate inclusion into the labour market for older workers. Commenting on the need for a shift in attitudes to recruitment, Gareth Osborne said:The recruitment industry has a vital role to play in challenging some of the pre-conceptions that may still exist amongst some employers about recruiting older workers. The REC monthly Report on Jobs confirms that there continues to be a high demand for staff in a number of sectors and professional recruiters will be pivotal in effectively matching older workers with suitable opportunities.