Andrew Harrop‚ Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:

“Despite encouraging signs that the job market overall is starting to recover‚ these figures show that 50 plus workers continue to face redundancy and an uphill struggle to get back to work.

“Previous recessions left a legacy of unemployment among older workers and now there are worrying signs that this pattern could be repeated.  Research shows that once out of work‚ it is it is much harder for the over-50s to find a job again.

“The Government cannot afford to let people in their 50s be left behind in the economic recovery.  Long periods of unemployment for older workers now will deny them the opportunity to build up a decent pension‚ making them more dependent on state benefits in retirement.

“As part of its overall strategy‚ the Government must commit to providing intensive support for unemployed people aged 50 plus within three to four months of losing their jobs to prevent them from being shut out from the labour market for good.”