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Publication Announcement
What does the future hold for older workers?
18 July 2007
Kent, University of
‘Live Longer, Work Longer’ is the rallying cry of many European governments in the context of ageing populations. However, according to Professor Sarah Vickerstaff from the University of Kent, so far there have been few signs of enthusiasm from employers or individuals.
Sarah Vickerstaff, who is Professor of Work and Employment in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, is co-editor of a new book, The Future for Older Workers, to be published on Wednesday 18 July. The book explores the issues of older workers, bringing together up-to-the minute research findings by many of the leading researchers and writers in the field.
She said, ‘It is now generally agreed, if not widely welcomed, that future generations will work longer than those who retired in the last 30 years. This presents great challenges to government, employers and individuals.’
The book’s authors address key issues that will influence public policy in the UK and beyond, including
- What do workers over 50 want: the opportunity to retire early, to retire gradually or to carry on working past state pension ages?
- What impact will an ageing workforce have on employer policies towards recruitment, training, career management and retirement?
- How will the government promote the benefits of extending working lives, and what support will older workers and their employers need from the government’s pension, taxation and benefits regimes?
The duration and quality of working lives and the timing and circumstances of retirement are of growing concern, especially where employers’ demands clash with the wishes of employees. The Future for Older Workers focuses upon the various measures taken by the state and employers to foster the employment of older workers in Britain, mainland Europe, the US and Japan.
The Future for Older Workers (ISBN 9781861348968) is edited by Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff and Phil White and is published by Policy Press.
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