Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

21 April 2023

| | 1 min read

Employment

Getting into work after 50

Newcastle City Council is hosting an event to help people over 50 find work and provide the support and advice to overcome barriers they may be facing.

Information about the Getting into work after 50 event
Getting into work after 50

Newcastle City Council is hosting an event to help people over 50 find work and provide the support and advice to overcome barriers they may be facing.

Taking place next Wednesday (26 April) in the Bewick Hall, Newcastle City Library between 10am and 2pm, this a free event that is funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) - a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumberland County Council and the North of Tyne Elected Mayor.

It will provide information on the support available to help get people back into work and there will be a range of exhibitors on hand to discuss various issues such as employability, retraining, money, caring issues and digital support. There will also be information on current job vacancies at Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle, as well as health checks offered by the Newcastle United Foundation.

This event is one of the first to take place since a new city-wide employment partnership was launched in March, with the aim of providing an improved and more coordinated approach for people looking for work and apprenticeships.

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Michelle Percy, Director of Place, Newcastle City Council said: “The council is committed to ensuring everyone in the city has access to good quality employment and training.

“Age shouldn’t be a barrier, but unfortunately since the pandemic the rates of people over 50 leaving the labour market has increased quite significantly. This group are often forgotten when it comes to support into work, but as there are currently more people turning 50 than people leaving school, they have a major role to play in our work force, given the experience and expertise they have attained.

“We know barriers such as a lack of confidence, unsuitable training, additional caring responsibilities, and a lack of flexible working can often make finding work difficult, but in Newcastle we are determined to help people with this and reverse the trend.

“That’s why events such as this are so important, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they may benefit to come along on the day.”

The event is free to attend, and no booking is required. For more information contact the Skills Hub on 0191 277 4125 or email skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk

Age shouldn’t be a barrier, but unfortunately since the pandemic the rates of people over 50 leaving the labour market has increased quite significantly. This group are often forgotten when it comes to support into work, but as there are currently more people turning 50 than people leaving school, they have a major role to play in our work force, given the experience and expertise they have attained.

Michelle Percy

Director of Place, Newcastle City Council