IER News & blogs

As populations age, governments are encouraging people to work for longer. But many older workers—especially those with health conditions, caring responsibilities or insecure work histories—struggle to stay in employment or find a way back after job loss.

A new report from the Warwick Institute for Employment Research reviews UK and international evidence on active labour market programmes designed to support people aged 50 and over. It finds that generic, one-size-fits-all employment schemes often fail older workers, particularly those facing disadvantage.

The IER is seeking to appoint an outstanding Research Fellow to contribute to developing and enhancing its reputation as an internationally leading, multi-disciplinary research-only institute. It is an opportunity for a researcher who wants to make a difference to be involved in policy-relevant research. Read more about the role at the University of Warwick website.

The deadline for applying is Monday 2nd February 2026 at 11:55pm (UK time).

It’s been a good year for good jobs policy

IER was established 45 years ago with funding from the UK Government and what is now the European Commission. Its task then was to provide labour market forecasts to support policymaking. Although government emphasis on skills has remained constant, government interest in employment policy more broadly has waxed and waned over the years.

Dr Katharina Sarter presented key findings from a project that investigated how public procurement professionals navigate the challenges of an everchanging environment at Procurex Wales, a key event for public procurement professionals in Wales.

Professor Phillip Taylor was invited to take part in an event exploring what it means to get older, organised by the Resonate programme at the University of Warwick. Speaking alongside academics from other faculties, he emphasized ‘the importance and challenges of redesigning work for an ageing society’.