Is immigration the solution to labour shortages in the UK?
Yesterday, Tony Danker , Director General of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) , called for politicians to be "practical" about immigration as a way to solve worker shortages and boost economic growth. His comments follow similar remarks from Lord Simon Wolfson of Next pointing to current immigration policies as a constraint on economic growth.
What if there was another way, one that utilised a pool of talent we already have access to?
Figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics show that, in the period July to September of this year, there were almost 3.6 million economically inactive people aged between 50 and 64 representing, 27.3% of the people in that age category. This is more than double the percentage of economically inactive people in the age categories 25 to 34 and 35 to 49. To put the figure in greater perspective the number of economically inactive people 50 to 64 is more than the total number of economically inactive people aged 25 to 49.
Solving the labour shortage crisis is a complex issue and one where a single approach will not solve the problem. Encouraging people from other countries to come and work in Britain will help by providing resources and skills needed in the short and medium term.
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However, we are missing out on an opportunity if we do not look first to the resources in the UK. Older workers represent a highly motivated and skilled within the workforce. In research we did with 55/Redefined we found that 56% of workers age over 55 want to continue working beyond age 65. Other research has shown that #multigenerational teams out perform other teams as a result of the skills and perspectives brought by different generations working together.
ProAge is a UK charity committed to promoting age-inclusion in the #workplace. Our ask of Mr. Danker is to work with us to include older workers in the solution to our labour shortages. It is a win for British industry, a win for the individual and for the government.
By working to retain older workers companies benefit from:
Join us this National Older Workers Week to make the case for more age-inclusion in the workplace.
CEO at Hospice Isle of Man. Leadership consultant, ILM L7 coach, author and experiential programme designer.
2 年Well said Dom, it's very thought provoking but more so an opportunity that those in senior influencing positions should not miss. I see another advantage in the potential to accelerate the development of younger managers and leaders through exposure to the knowledge and experience of the older co-workers, many of whom could be brilliant mentors.
CEO at Hospice Isle of Man. Leadership consultant, ILM L7 coach, author and experiential programme designer.
2 年Well said Dom, it's very thought provoking but more so an opportunity that those in senior influencing positions should not miss. I see another advantage in the potential to accelerate the development of younger managers and leaders through exposure to the knowledge and experience of the older co-workers, many of whom could be brilliant mentors.