The government values the wealth of skills and experiences that people aged 50 and over bring both to the workplace and the economy. We are committed to supporting midlife workers who want to retrain or find work through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes inclusion, flexibility and progression.

For those aged 50 and over, and in receipt of benefits, we provide additional dedicated support in Jobcentres, including through our 50PLUS Champions, who ensure that the specific needs of this age group are recognised and met. This includes facilitating engagement with local employers, promoting age inclusive policies and supporting work coaches to deliver activity locally. We also offer the Midlife MOT, which helps individuals assess their health, skills and finances, and directs them to appropriate guidance to support their return to work. There is also a digital version available to everyone. We also work closely with local employers and partners to expand the opportunities, training and employment support available to jobseekers aged 50 and over. There is also a comprehensive menu of help for Jobcentre customers who wish to retrain or upskill. This includes Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) placements, Skills Bootcamps, employer-led mentoring circles, 50+ job fairs.

The National Careers Service provides skills and careers guidance available to all. The Lifelong Learning Entitlement will also launch in the 2026/27 academic year, providing funding to support individuals to learn, upskill and retrain throughout their working lives. It will be available to adults up to the age of 60, with those aged 60 or over, at the start of their course, eligible for partial funding.

As part of our wider plans to Get Britain Working, we are creating a Jobs and Careers Service, with an enhanced focus on skills and careers, available to all. Support will be more inclusive and better tailored to individual’s needs, including those aged 50 and over, to help them move back into good, meaningful work and progress in work.