Older unemployed people need help now Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 15:03

Responding to the Budget, and in particular the announcement of guaranteed jobs training for people under 24 who have been unemployed for 6 months, NIACE is calling on the Government to do more to respond to the urgent needs of older unemployed people.

Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive of NIACE, said:

"While the measures to improve flexibility for the older workforce - in particular to extend working life - are welcome there is also a need to invest in training and education for everyone."  

...for people who lose their jobs in their 40s and 50s there is just as urgent a need for access to learning and training opportunities if people are not to be permanently sidelined by the current economic difficulties.

Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive of NIACE

"We welcome the recognition that recession can damage the life chances of young people and the central role learning can have in offsetting that damage. However for people who lose their jobs in their 40s and 50s there is just as urgent a need for access to learning and training opportunities if people are not to be permanently  sidelined by the current economic difficulties."

"We are disappointed that this has not been highlighted in today's Budget, however we hope that it will be given the priority it undoubtedly deserves in future ministerial discussions, following the General Election."