Many mature workers in Australia suffer from underemployment and discrimination according to Ms Carole Brown, National President of the Career Development Association of Australia.

“It is true that mature workers who wish to continue to contribute as part the paid workforce are often impeded by outdated attitudes, inflexible work practices and a lack of current in-demand skills. It is time to debunk commonly held beliefs about older workers that suggest they are inflexible, slow to learn, and uninterested in modern work practices. Conversely older workers wishing to remain in the workforce must keep their skills up-to-date and be ready to take on new challenges,” says Ms Brown.

The recent Intergenerational Report released by the Commonwealth Government has highlighted the need to ensure older people continue working well beyond traditional retirement ages. It acknowledges that by 2050, nearly one-quarter of Australia’s population will be aged 65 and over, compared with 13 percent today and that there will be only 2.7 people of working age for every person 65 and over, compared with 5 people today.  Increased workforce participation of older workers must increase and skills gaps must be bridged for Australia to prosper.

“With growing economic pressure for people to work longer, it makes sense to increase and improve employment opportunities for older workers and to reduce the barriers which prohibit many from being able to undertake work. In part, this comes down to equipping older workers with better career management skills which will enable them to identify and win jobs that interest them and in which they are likely to be productive,” says Ms Brown.

“Employers also have much to gain from instituting flexible work practices that make it easier for people to participate at work – on a part-time basis or from home, for example. Jobs can be re-designed and targeted workplace programs can harness the experience and the corporate knowledge of our older workers. This also has spin-off benefits for succession planning and retention of younger workers.”

CDAA applauds the government’s support of mature job seekers through the extension of the Keep Australia Working Career Advice Line that is staffed by CDAA professional members. It is through initiatives such as this that these people can make informed and confident decisions about their future work life

“Australia can no longer afford the impediments to participation of older workers. The expertise of CDAA members can ensure that for governments, businesses, communities and individuals alike, the contribution of this vital group is harnessed. More needs to be done,” says Ms Brown

“Most Australians want to make a positive impact to their nation – let’s make it easier for our older workers to do just that,” says Ms Brown.