fortyplus employment support trust

The issue of age (and ageism) in employment is a serious one, and we thank The Press for highlighting it. We read with interest 'Slowing the Hands of Time' (Your Career, The Press, Feb 23-24) and, as advocates for mature people looking for meaningful work, we would like to comment. We do this after consulting clients and other interested parties.

The emphasis of the article seemed to be: "it doesn't matter what age you are, you've got to appear young if you want a job" Elsewhere in the article, lying about age is mentioned - and while not endorsed by the writer, it's not censured either. These approaches seem to border on the irresponsible and avoid the main point in the issue, which is that employers need to appreciate the high value of older men and women in the workforce, and want to hire them because of the skills they have and the contribution they can make.


Elsewhere in the same paper is a much more positive report about one older worker ('Hammer Taunts Man Back to Job', The Press, February 23). This celebrates the value of mature workers and focuses on their skills and the benefits they bring to the employer. This is one of the main ways of addressing the skills shortage which will escalate in the next ten years as the baby boomers retire.

We hope employers take note.

Chris Barnes (Manager, 40+ Employment Support Trust),Lynne Kitchener, (Employment Consultant), Colin McKinney (Employment Consultant)

Employers Recruit the Grey Army (Your Career, The Press, March 15 2008) makes the point that as the total number of people in the workforce starting work is decreasing, the number over the age of 55 is increasing. These trends are predicted to continue in the foreseeable future. The solution given was that employers are starting to realise that 'the only way to keep their businesses viable and to grow is to retain and recruit people over the age of 55".

Australian employers appear to be addressing this issue - we challenge New Zealand employers to do the same. The 40+ Employment Support Trust exists to help jobseekers over the age of 40 find meaningful work. We invite employers to contact us (377 2141, Monday - Friday 9 am - 4pm) to discuss their needs.

Chris Barnes (Manager, 40+ Employment Support Trust),Lynne Kitchener, (Employment Consultant), Colin McKinney (Employment Consultant)

The Press, 18 July 2008: Along with Peter Townsend of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce we congratulate Denny's Restaurant for its positive attitude and forward thinking by encouraging senior citizens to apply for current vacancies.

With the ageing population, the age of the available workforce is rising and the mature worker will have a growing part to play in this workforce. It may be of interest for employers to note that according to information from the Department of Statistics the median age in Christchurch will increase from 37.6 in 2006 to 43.1 in 2031. In the same years the percentage aged over 65 will increase from 13.8 to 23.9.

Other employers thinking of following Denny's example are encouraged to contact us at 40+ Employment Support Trust as we have over 375 mature job seekers who are looking for employment in a variety of areas. The Trust is based in the Christchurch Community House and the phone number for enquiries is 377 2141.


Chris Barnes (Manager, 40+ Employment Support Trust)