Older workers often face prejudice and are overlooked. That’s why the Serco Restart Scheme has signed up to ‘The Centre for Ageing Better’ Age-Friendly Employer Pledge and are showing their commitment to older workers.
The Restart Scheme is part of the Government’s wider ‘Plan for Jobs’ programmes to help people develop their skills so they can find long-term meaningful employment. Serco has been chosen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the Restart Scheme in West Central (Black Country, Coventry, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, The Marches and Worcestershire).
The Age-Friendly Employer Pledge is a nationwide programme for employers who are committed to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s. Suki Gill, Social Value Lead for the Serco Restart Scheme has driven the pledge and the Restart Scheme have delivered, or are currently working on the following:
1) Delivered a Menopause Awareness session for all staff and delivery partners on the Restart Scheme
2) Produced, and will continually update, an action plan to support the pledge
3) Introduced a 50+ champion who will actively address barriers faced by these groups
4) Hosted 3 in-person events for Restart Scheme delivery partners which were specifically focussed on ‘Supporting over 50s into work’
5) Have 50+ champions in each of our Restart Scheme offices
6) Connect with 50+ champions at Jobcentre Plus
7) Currently working on a Social Value Digital Skills pilot alongside Jobcentre Plus supporting 50+ non-Restart Scheme Participants
8) Ensuring our current recruitment practices are age-friendly
9) Running specific job search support sessions for 50+ Restart Scheme Participants.
Suki had this to say about her initiative:
“Helping and supporting over 50s is important as so many people in this age group are currently out of work but have lots of knowledge, skills and life experience that employers can benefit from. On the Restart Scheme we are committed to inclusivity and diversity which fits in with Serco’s core values ‘Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride’. We want to encourage an inclusive workplace environment where employees of all ages feel valued and respected.”
The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone, including challenging ageism and building an Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes. Find out more here: Age-friendly Employer Pledge | Centre for Ageing Better (ageing-better.org.uk)
To find out more about the employers and businesses that have benefitted from fully funded support from the Serco Restart Scheme, and what recruitment support is available to you, email [email protected] or visit https://www.serco-ese.com/restart-scheme/employers