As the nation faces the challenge of an ageing population, encouraging older workers to stay in the workforce and postpone their retirement is a dominant policy trend.
To generate discussion around older workers, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released a book of research readings.
Issues addressed include:
- the challenge of low literacy and numeracy skills for some groups of older workers
- discrimination and stereotypes
- lifelong learning as a core concept in modern careers, aligned to the notion of active ageing.
Ms Francesca Beddie, General Manager, Research, NCVER warned against typecasting older workers as some are at the peak of their careers while others are at risk of being pushed into early retirement.
“While some older workers can manage their transition into retirement, others are not in a position to choose when and how they move out of the workforce,” Ms Beddie said.
“It’s important to factor in the diversity of mature-age workers when devising strategies that improve their labour market participation.
“Superannuation and social security are one part of the story, but so is removing barriers to employment and education for those who want to re-skill and continue working, perhaps in a more flexible way.
“We must also remember that not all older workers want to continue working.”
Copies of Older workers: research readings edited by Tabatha Griffin and Francesca Beddie, NCVER are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2422.html
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