Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Pensions and retirement planning
Job programmes for over 50s
If you're out of work, whether voluntarily or through redundancy, it can take time to find another job, regardless of your age. However, your wealth of experience in the workplace is highly valuable and you can use your knowledge and skills to find employment.
There are specialist programmes and resources available to anyone over 50 to help you find work or learn new skills.
Help for older jobseekers
If you're unemployed or thinking about a change of career, it's a good time to review your experience and CV. Think about the skills you have to offer and if you need some extra training for the job you want.
There are many recruitment and advice agencies that offer help for older people looking for work.
New Deal 50 plus
New Deal 50 plus is a Jobcentre Plus programme that offers support and advice for people over 50 to find work. It also offers training and help if you've found it difficult to get a job or work that pays a decent wage.
You're eligible for the programme if you or your partner receive and have been receiving any one or more of the following benefits for at least six months:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus provides help and advice on jobs and training for people who can work. There are a number of sections of Jobcentre Plus that are relevant to older jobseekers. These include the Programme Centres, Action Teams and work-based training for unemployed adults.
An adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office can discuss the type of work you want and training opportunities that may be available.
Find a job now
The Directgov jobs and skills search lets you look for jobs, training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK.
There are over 400,000 jobs to search. You can also view career profiles that include information about hours of work and qualifications.
Starting your own business
The decision to embark on a new business venture by starting your own business is a big step. Indeed, it's important to be aware of the full implications of becoming self-employed and of where to go for help and advice.
Age discrimination
From 1 October 2006 companies face substantial financial penalties if their employment practices don't comply with the new laws on age discrimination. Forced retirement before the age of 65 and age discrimination in recruitment, promotion and training are banned. Employers also have to consider requests from their employees to work after the age of 65.
People over 65 have the same rights to unfair dismissal and redundancy payments as younger workers under new measures to outlaw age discrimination in the workplace.
