The Port of Tyne, Nexus, Groundwork South and North Tyneside, and South Tyneside Council are among a growing number of local employers who have pledged their commitment to becoming more age‑friendly workplaces, setting a positive example for organisations of all sizes across the borough.
The organisations have signed the Age Friendly Pledge, a nationwide programme aimed at improving the recruitment, retention and development of older workers, supporting employers to benefit from a more inclusive and multigenerational workforce.
As part of the pledge, employers commit to taking at least one practical action each year to improve age‑friendly working practices, tailored to their organisation’s needs.
Speaking about the commitment Maureen Askew, Head of Learning at Nexus said:
“Nexus is delighted to join the Age Friendly Employer Pledge. It reflects our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute and grow, regardless of age. This commitment will help us create a workplace where experience is valued, development is continuous, and people feel supported to build meaningful, sustainable careers.”
Cllr David Royal, lead member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment at South Tyneside Council said:
“We are proud to support the Age Friendly Employer Pledge and to work with partners across South Tyneside to champion the value of older workers. Older workers bring invaluable experience, knowledge and skills that can be essential to delivering high-quality services and supporting our local economy to grow.”
Dr Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:
“The pledge has been designed to support businesses to go on a journey at a pace that works for them. By taking manageable and measurable steps, employers will learn over time what steps they need to take to make the biggest difference in their own organisation.”
“The labour market is changing and employers are facing huge challenges with skills and labour shortages and near-record vacancy rates. Workers in their 50s and 60s are key to filling these gaps – now, more than ever, the older workforce is the workforce.
“And yet older workers are continuing to leave the labour market in droves. We want to help businesses understand how they can be attractive employers to older workers and reap the benefits of a multigenerational workforce.”
For more information about the Age Friendly Pledge in South Tyneside see: Age friendly employment – Invest South Tyneside Alternatively, contact Mary Fairfield for an informal chat about the process and benefits to a business: Mary.Fairfield@southtyneside.gov.uk
