The core definition of economic and cultural success in the twenty-first century will, undoubtedly, be enhanced human capital. Key to achieving this will be our ability to create an educated and diverse workforce.
Ireland is currently undergoing a significant demographic change. According to the 2003 NESF report “Labour Market Issues for Older Workers”, in 2003, Ireland had five people of working age for every person over the age of sixty-five. By 2025 this ratio will have dropped to 3:1.
Older people offer enormous potential value to employers and the economy. Prior to Ireland’s recent era of unprecedented growth, older workers were especially vulnerable during company restructurings. Now, as we enjoy a period of almost full employment, policy makers and employers must implement strategies which incentivise those over fifty to remain in the workplace.
This week, Chambers Ireland will publish its Labour Force Survey 2006 which this year, focuses on older workers. Published in association with Senior Select Retain and Retrain and funded by the European Social Fund, the survey studies the contribution of older workers to Ireland’s competitiveness, barriers to their continued participation in the labour market and employer’s perspectives on older workers performance in comparison with their younger counterparts.
See full Press Release.
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