The Social Networks of Older Workers

Over the next 25 years, the UK’s workforce is projected to significantly age. However, Disney et al (1997) observed that half of men and one third of women of aged over-50 leave work before state pension age in the UK and the literature suggests that, even in relatively buoyant local labour markets, older workers are at a disadvantage due to factors such as qualifications, job search strategies and perceived age discrimination (McQuaid and Lindsay 2002, 2005). A number of recent policy proposals partly seek to, or will have the effect of, increasing the number of older workers (those aged over 50 years in this study) in remaining in or re-entering the labour force (e.g. changing pension ages, reducing numbers on Incapacity Benefits etc.) (Hollywood et al 2003). It is argued that over 50 year old men who are not employed, in particular, have poorer social networks than those in work, younger people and women.