United Kingdom: DWP Issues Positive Review of Website for the 50 Plus Worker

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a report, reviewing "50 Plus Works" (a free to use website designed to assist staff in provider organisations who are helping older jobseekers to return to work), and finding that the website "is comprehensive, up to date, well received, and widely used and that [the website] has clearly filled a gap in the market for a high quality, online, free at the point of use guide and tool kit for those helping the 50+ return to work." "50 Plus Works" which was developed and operated by The Age and Employment Network (TAEN) and was co-financed by DWP and the European Social Fund (ESF) Technical Assistance.

Authored by Tim Willis, "Not just another website: Review of “50 Plus Works” good-practice guide and toolkit" also finds that, among other things:

• "50 Plus Works” is seen by users of the website as a good quality trusted source of information, as a simple tool to use that benefits from being regularly updated, it is clearly written and well edited and easy to navigate around.
• '50 Plus Works' is seen by users of the website as a comprehensive and convenient tool for advisers working with older jobseekers - having everything needed in one place, saving time and effort.
• '50 Plus Works' is appreciated by users of the website as a completely free resource. Other advisory and skills based web-tools typically offer limited features for free and attempt to sell additional services for a fee.
• This website has been well received by its target audience and is seen as the reference tool of choice by providers working with older jobseekers.

In addition to the report, an Annex provides a graphical presentation of some metrics with respect to the website, including traffic.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions Synopsis: In-House Research No. 8 (March 2012)

Urban Institute Launches Online Data Source for Retirement-Related Statistics

The Urban Institute’s Program on Retirement Policy has launch an online resource for retirement-related statistics called the "Data Warehouse." At the Data Warehouse, users can glean how different aging populations are faring and get a look at long-term retirement trends. Among other things, the Data Warehouse has a specific page dedicated to older workers, on which are collected statistics relating to:

• labor force participation
• employment
• unemployment

Source: Urban Institute Abstract (June 14, 2011)

Utah Issues Career Guide for Older Workers

Utah's Department of Workforce Services has published a career guide for older worker. Designed to meet the special needs of older workers, Workers Over 50 is a supplement to the main adult career guide from DWS, Utah Careers, and includes articles covering topics such as "Myths about older workers," "Staying current in skills and knowledge," and "Finding employment after age 50."

"As the baby boomers approach retirement age, some are choosing to retire at 65 or even earlier. Many others will continue to work long after they could retire. Some will retire, then decide, for a variety of reasons, to go back into the workforce," says Lecia Langston, contributing author of Workers Over 50. "There are many factors to consider for whatever path is chosen. This publication is meant to help with these decisions and with other issues and questions workers over 50 grapple with."

Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services News Release (February 22, 2010)

France: Website for Employers and Employees to Manage Second Half of Careers

In order to help with the retention of employees in the second part of their careers--a major economic and social priority anticipated by employers and employees, Opcalia has launched Fifti, a website for professional and public use to change the social perceptions and changing attitudes of managers and employees as France seeks to raise the number of employees over 55 to 50% by 2010.

Fifti aims to help employees and employers to understand and anticipate the issue of age in the company. By combining the needs and expectations, raising fears and misconceptions, Fifti can open dialogue to understand different parts of the second careers and to implement new practices. Among other things, the website will address skills, training, preparation for retirement, motivation, nutrition, and physical activity of older workers.

Source: Opcalia Press Release (December 12, 2008)

AMA Announces Webcast on Age Curve: May 21

The American Management Association is conducting a free webcast on "Age Curve: Examining the Changing Demographic Landscape." Scheduled for May 21, 2008, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the webcast is intended to focus on of the demographic evolution in the United States and on how it will affect markets, product development, customers and "possibly most of all", the workforce.

To register, Click here.

Source: American Management Association Webcast

Europe: Mature@eu Recuriting Project Opens Website

The European Union Leonardo Da Vinci project website mature@eu is up and running. The project is coordinated by the Vienna based ZSI (Center for Social Innovation) and aims at supporting HR Managers to recruit and retain older employees through developing effective age neutral personnel policies.

The website holds a lot of useful information and it will be constantly updated as the project "matures". The link-list refers to a broad range of organisations in several countries, who have been engaged in supporting older employees and have valuable information and examples of good practice. In addition, a toolbox will be available, which will facilitate HR and employee representatives to promote a change in attitudes and practice towards the recruitment of older professionals and the perception of age stereotypes.

Source: Union Network Internationaal News Release (March 13, 2007)