Most older workers want to keep working

18 June 2007

A new survey has plugged a significant gap in the debate about the retention of older workers in the workforce: what older workers themselves think about working longer.

The research was undertaken for the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

One of the main findings of the study is that 70% of those surveyed stated they would be working past retirement age - either because they needed the money or to support a better lifestyle when they did retire.

A large majority of those surveyed saw a need for attitudinal change among younger workers and employers against age related stereotypes.

"This study is important because many policy analysts, politicians and media commentators have pointed to a need for people to stay in the workforce longer" says Dr Tom Karmel, NCVER's Managing Director. "This is seen as one way to combat the potential impact of an ageing population on the number of available skilled workers."

The researchers questioned over 2000 workers in the finance sector, in aged care, and in construction.

One of the researchers, Dr David Lundberg, University of  South Australia, said "One of the striking findings of this study is that a large majority of the surveyed workers do not need to be persuaded or induced to seek to continue to work beyond retirement age."

"Less than one in seven have concluded that they will not need to work beyond their retirement."

Even so, the study shows there may be some obstacles to continuing on the job for those of advancing age.

Potential problem areas identified are unfair access to training programs, perceptions of discrimination in superannuation and work-cover policies, and discriminatory attitudes among others.

The study concludes that rather than needing to persuade older workers to work beyond their normal retirement, the policy priority is to address the obstacles, constraints and disincentives that deter, constrain or prevent older workers from keeping on working.

The research was conducted under the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program, funded by Federal, State and Territory governments.

ENDS

Older workers' perspectives on training and retention of older workers, by David Lundberg and Zaniah Marshallsay, has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments with funding provided through the Department of Education, Science and Training. Copies can be accessed from http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1779.html

Media enquiries to: Amy Mellow or Colleen Young, Manager, Marketing Services on + 61 8 8230 8400

Interviews: Dr Tom Karmel, NCVER and Dr David Lundberg, University of South Australia are available for interview. Please contact Amy Mellow or Colleen Young for details.