Coleg y Cymoedd takes action on age inclusion to create a more multi-generational workplace

Coleg y Cymoedd has joined over 30 organisations in Wales that are engaging with Age at Work, a partnership with Business in the Community Cymru (BITC). The partnership supports employers to put practices in place that create age-inclusive, multigenerational workplaces that pro-actively support people over 50 to remain in or return to work.

Wales’ workforce is getting older with one in three workers aged over 50, so recruiting, retaining and retraining people over 50 is essential for business and the wider economy. Coleg y Cymoedd is working with Business in the Community and Age Cymru to take action now that prevents employee early exit from the workplace, to support later-life working, and to value older workers as part of a diverse, inclusive and dynamic workplace.

Through Age at Work, employers have access to a range of free toolkits, networks, and support to help inform the action they take to create a workplace that is better for mature employees and will benefit employees of all ages.

Jill Salter, Age at Work Programme Manager, BITC said, “We’re all living longer, which means the majority of us will be working for longer too and, with an ageing demographic across Wales and the UK, employers need to prepare for this and make the most of the experience and expertise of older employees.

“Age at Work” helps businesses to understand the business and social benefits of recruiting, retraining and retaining individuals aged 50+.

Mature workers are skilled and bring experience, knowledge and a different perspective to the workplace. Businesses like Coleg y Cymoedd have recognised that it’s crucial to continue to invest in the development of staff over 50, and ensure recruitment practices don’t alienate this cohort, provide training opportunities and, in some circumstances, make reasonable adjustments to support older staff with caring responsibilities and health issues, so that they can retain knowledgeable, valuable colleagues.”

Jonathan Morgan, Deputy Principal at Coleg y Cymoedd added “We are delighted to be to be working with Age at Work, Business in the Community Cymru to ensure that all our employees aged over 50 are helped and encouraged to be able to live the fullest life possible, in both a work and personal setting. Coleg y Cymoedd recognises the benefits of having older staff members within our team. Their experience, knowledge, diligence and positive approach to work is often hard to beat. Creating an environment where individual are happy in their work and feel supported to give their best is of vital importance to us.

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