The nationwide programme, led by the Centre for Ageing Better, encourages employers to take practical steps to improve the recruitment, retention and development of people aged 50 and over. By joining hundreds of organisations across the UK that have already made the pledge, We’re demonstrating our commitment to recognising and celebrating the value older workers bring to the workplace.
As a values-led organisation, equality, diversity and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do. We believe that a truly inclusive workforce is one that reflects the communities we serve. That means valuing people for their skills, experience and potential, regardless of age.
Our pledge reflects a simple belief: talent does not have an age limit.
Older workers bring a wealth of experience, professional judgement, reliability and sector knowledge developed over many years. They often play an important role in mentoring colleagues, supporting team development, sharing expertise and helping organisations navigate challenges through practical problem-solving and informed decision-making.
Research from the OECD highlights that age-diverse and multigenerational workplaces can help improve productivity, strengthen performance and enable organisations to benefit from a broader mix of skills, perspectives and experiences. The OECD argues that employers who embrace age diversity are better placed to harness talent across generations and improve organisational outcomes.
The Centre for Ageing Better also highlights that multigenerational workforces drive productivity and innovation, while helping employers address skills shortages and recruit from a wider talent pool. Despite this, many people aged over 50 continue to face age-related bias in recruitment and career progression.
At Active Lincolnshire, we want to help challenge those stereotypes. Our commitment as an Age-friendly Employer is to ensure recruitment, training, progression opportunities and flexible working arrangements are accessible to everyone. We want all colleagues, regardless of age, to feel respected, valued and able to contribute fully to the success of our organisation.
The pledge aligns closely with our wider commitment to fairness and inclusion. We recognise that creating opportunities for people aged 50 and over is not simply the right thing to do socially; it also makes strong business sense.
The UK economy is facing significant labour and skills shortages. At the same time, many experienced people in their 50s and 60s are either leaving the workforce earlier than planned or facing barriers when looking for employment. According to the Centre for Ageing Better, nearly one million more older workers are economically inactive than before the pandemic, representing a significant loss of skills, experience and expertise.
Supporting older workers to stay in or return to employment could have a transformational impact on the economy. The Centre for Ageing Better estimates that increasing employment rates among people aged 50 to 64 could generate at least £9 billion a year for the UK economy, alongside an additional £1.6 billion in tax revenues.
These figures demonstrate why becoming an age-friendly employer is about much more than recruitment. It’s about recognising the contribution older workers make to businesses, communities and the wider economy, while ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding working life.
By signing the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, we’re joining a growing movement of organisations committed to creating workplaces where age is seen as an asset, not a barrier and we’re proud to be part of that movement.
As we continue our journey, we remain committed to building a workplace culture where experience is valued, diversity is celebrated and every colleague – regardless of age – has the opportunity to develop, succeed and make a meaningful contribution.
For more information about the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, visit:
Together, we can help create a workforce that works for every generation.
