JGP News

A mixture of young and older staff could prove to be highly-effective for employees, new figures show.

In research commissioned by Jobcentre Plus, 66 and 65 per cent of older and younger British personnel respectively were appreciative of the benefits of a workface made up of people at varying ages.

In news which may be useful to public sector companies looking to make use of regional recruitment systems, four in ten older workers believe that their younger colleagues teach them skills they would not have known otherwise.

Lesley Strathie, Jobcentre Plus chief executive, said: "The research shows that having the right balance of age and skills can bring numerous benefits to establishing a complete workforce for both employers and employees."

Chris Ball, chief executive for The Age and Employment Network, added: "Tapping into a wider pool of talent, experience and skills can help employers increase productivity, maintain a competitive advantage and improve the bottom line."

Meanwhile, 94 per cent of younger workers believe that their older colleagues help bring experience to the working environment, while 66 per cent view those of a more advanced age as being reliable, figures which may be beneficial to those seeking recruitment management solutions.

The study comes as the first anniversary of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 approaches.

Coming into force in October 2006, the regulations ban age discrimination in terms of recruitment, training and promotion.

The legislation also prevents companies enforcing an "unjustified retirement age" of below 65.

More about age discrimination.