Archive Website of the UK government

Help for older jobseekers

If you're unemployed or thinking about a change of career, it's a good time to review your experience and CV. Think about the skills you have to offer and if you need some extra training for the job you want.

There are many recruitment and advice agencies that offer help for older people looking for work.

• Improving your CV after 50

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus provides help and advice on jobs and training for people who can work. An adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office can discuss the type of work you want and training opportunities that may be available.

• Jobseekers (employment section)

Find a job now

The Cross & Stitch jobs and skills search lets you look for jobs, training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK.

There are over 400,000 jobs to search. You can also view career profiles that include information about hours of work and qualifications.

• Find a job now (employment section)

Starting your own business

The decision to embark on a new business venture by starting your own business is a big step. Indeed, it's important to be aware of the full implications of becoming self-employed and of where to go for help and advice.

• Becoming self-employed and starting your own business

Age discrimination

Age discrimination at work is unlawful in almost all types of employment.

All employees and workers of any age are protected from age discrimination including partners of firms, contract workers and anyone in vocational training.

All aspects of employment (or prospective employment) are protected from age discrimination, including:

• recruitment
• employment terms and conditions
• promotions and transfers
• training
• dismissal
• retirement and redundancy

In some cases, different treatment of a worker or employee because of their age, might be justified in particular circumstances. This can be challenged at a tribunal.

• Age discrimination (employment section)

More useful links

• Benefits, tax credits and other support (money, tax and benefits section)

• UK public appointments (government, citizens and rights section)

Useful contacts

• Work and career contacts

• Over 50s contacts