Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson has been appointed – alongside broadcasters Penny Lancaster and Angela Rippon, and wellbeing entrepreneur Liz Earle MBE – to the ‘Beyond Midlife Commission’, set up by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank.
The commissioners, including Mr Robertson, have been tasked with finding solutions to the growing number of people over-50 now out of work.
Working alongside 1,000 small charities all over the country, it will look at retaining and maximising the workforce in middle age.
The CSJ – which was influential in shaping welfare reforms 15 years ago – says that too many people over 50 are being “written off” and aims to address what it calls a, “midlife crisis in our economy.”
The East Wight MP was appointed for his growing profile in health and welfare policy in Westminster.
Mr Robertson said:
“Too many over-50s are being written off – leading to a midlife crisis in our economy. Over 2 million 50–64-year-olds are now on out-of-work benefits – the highest level on record. That’s why I am pleased to have joined the Beyond Midlife Commission in developing practical, deliverable solutions that help people stay in, or return to, fulfilling work and unlock growth across the country. Older workers bring decades of skills, insight and experience, and a rise in employment could generate billions in tax revenue and savings.
“The Isle of Wight perfectly demonstrates the realities of an ageing population. I am urging members of the public and all the amazing Isle of Wight small charities and organisations to engage with the Commission to demonstrate how we can work together to unlock their untapped potential”.
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The Commission aims to bring together experience from across business, politics, and the public and third sectors, and will include landmark polling and focus groups.
Could always become a Politician or a member of the house of lords
Majority of them are 50+
Lol
Great, another reason why we don’t need more Macdonald’s here on the island, offering ‘bit’ jobs for next to no hours. Let’s have some proper jobs here on the island.
50 to 60 year olds are on out of work benefits because of the greed for national insurance and tax from companies who were employing such persons have been decimated. There is no work to be had, companies are going into liquidation as each day passes, so where do you think they are likely to find work?
The plan is Universal basic income.
Perhaps the MP should look into those, who have applied for jobs but Island employers discriminate against because of an enforced break in working due to legitimate health events!
I’m over 50. I did years and years full time. I have no intention of working to give our govt more tax money to waste on themselves. Shove it. Lockdown opened my eyes. You can shove your jobs where the sun doesn’t shine and I urge other over 50s to drop out.
The youngsters of today don’t want to work and
if the over 50s drop out, the country will be Fcuked!
The Government are the biggest money wasters, they
pay thousands of civil servants to shirk from home on
full pay.
Mp’s who talk about about people getting jobs, what ever age, when THEY are the ones who have decimated all the jobs, is full fact that they are not out here in the real world recognizing the problem they have created for us.
So what will you do instead?
not stay at home living off benefits surely?
Oh come on Joe look around you their are no jobs for youngsters of any worth really on the Island unless they want to go into The Care system!!shops are closing, apprenticeship ‘s are non existent so what hope is there for. jobs for 50+unless it’s seasonal or again a care home?