A report has been published looking into the issues experienced by women over the age of 50 in the workplace.
The Scottish Commission on Older Women has spent two years carrying out the research. 'Older Women and Work- Looking to the Future' focused on the rising number of women over the age of 50 in the workplace.
Whilst it found some older women have positive experiences, it says employers should have more flexible policies - like retirement over a longer period. It also found a lack of opportunities, inflexible responses to care responsibilities, poor health and financial problems
Morag Alexander is Co-Chair of the Commission said:
"This report is based on a review of existing literature and a new statistical analysis undertaken specifically for the Scottish Commission on Older Women. Most importantly, however, we drew on two years of consultations, round table meetings and conferences throughout Scotland where we listened to the voices and lived experiences of this neglected and often invisible generation. Older women spoke to us about their paid work and unpaid caring, and generously shared sometimes painful experiences of harassment and discrimination."
Professor Wendy Loretto, Professor in Organisational Behaviour at University of Edinburgh Business School and Commission member said:
"For too long the UK policy debate has ignored the complex challenges facing older women. Faced with a rising state pension age and welfare reforms, most Scottish women now face no choice but to work well into later life to make ends meet. Meanwhile they often have the added responsibility of providing unpaid care to elderly relatives, or for their grandchildren whose own parents are unable not to work. There is no quick fix to these challenges, but we all have a vested interest in addressing them. By starting a dialogue with this report we hope the UK and Scotland’s policy makers can work together with the country’s employers and trade unions to develop a new framework to reduce pressure on women working in later life, and unlock their economic potential for the benefit of Scotland as a whole."
and Anne Dean, GMB and Chair STUC Women’s Committee welcomed the Report
"The STUC has heard many concerns in recent years, and this Report provides a welcome opportunity to discuss positive change. Older women have much to contribute in our society, and it’s time that we valued that contribution in the way it deserves."
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