New research highlights how better employment support could help people over 50 stay in or return to work

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 — The role of active labour market programmes in supporting the over 50s: UK and international evidence — 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 report was funded by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement and provides practical lessons for improving UK employment policy as working lives lengthen.