As the government seeks to entice retirees back to work, as employers this can come with many benefits, as well as helping with their commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
Staff in their 50s and 60s have decades of invaluable experience and can be resilient, adaptable, and knowledgeable. Those starting work in the 1970s and 80s will, for example, have seen ground breaking changes in technology and their way of working during their working lives, so aren’t easily fazed.
Whilst having older people on your team certainly has many positives, employers need to be mindful of any potential problems that might arise, such as age discrimination and harassment claims.
Age is a protected characteristic under the UK’s equality act, so discriminating against anyone, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of how old they are, is unlawful.
To promote greater understanding, as well as to avoid legal ramifications, equality training should be given to all staff, and the relevant policies and procedures highlighted and made accessible to the wider team.