More than 100 employers, including the RSPCA and government departments have now signed a pledge to be an age friendly workplace.

Other charities to sign the pledge, which has been launched by Centre for Ageing Better, are Age UK, Versus Arthritis and Change, Grow, Live.

HM Treasury, Department of Work and Pensions have also signed the pledge, which sees participating organisations appoint an age inclusion champion in their organisation and ensure that age is specifically included in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies.

Those taking part are encouraged to share good practice in recruiting people of all ages. Other action includes introducing flexible working to support over 50s in work.

Employers also commit to taking an action each year to improve the recruitment, retention and development of older workers.

Half of those signing up are small organisations with fewer than 50 staff, and one in four are large employers with more than 1,000 workers.



“Employers can show that they are singing from the same hymn sheet as the government by taking action to create a more supportive and attractive work environment for the recruitment, retention and training of older workers by signing up to our Age-friendly Employer Pledge,” said Centre for Ageing Better’s deputy director for work Emily Andrews.

“It is encouraging to see that hundreds of businesses are already showing this intent by registering their interest and signing up to our free nationwide programme.”

According to NCVO figures released last year the voluntary sector has the oldest workforce, compared to the public and private sectors, with one in four staff aged 50 and above.

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