Boston Borough, South Holland and East Lindsey councils sign Age-friendly Employer Pledge

Posted September 28, 2023

The three councils which make up the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership have each signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better.

The pledge shows our commitment to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s, recognising their value and expertise and to help make our workplace even more age-friendly.

This means we are taking action to improve our recruitment as well as the retention and development of workers across the partnership.

Nationally, most people are working later in life but older workers can often face prejudice and are overlooked.  At the same time, the job market is changing with many sectors struggling with skills and labour shortages. In signing the pledge, the partnership recognises that older workers are often key to filling these gaps.

Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: "It is important that the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is recognising the value those aged over 50 bring to our workforce. Older workers often bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to teams, and in many instances they become role models to their peers and those just starting out in their careers.

"There is a lot everyone can learn from a multigenerational workforce and I am very proud the Partnership has made this pledge to show its commitment."

Cllr Jim Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance and Communications at South Holland District Council, said: "Signing the age-friendly pledge is a great way to demonstrate our commitment to developing and retaining our workforce. The Partnership is made even better from having a thriving workforce of different generations so we can deliver the best outcomes for our residents.

"Working in the Local Government sector can often be a lifelong career and we are proud we are retaining an older workforce and making this pledge to recognise our commitment to being even more age-friendly."

Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Affairs, said: "I am delighted the South & East Lincolnshire Partnership continues to recognise the contribution an older workforce brings to our services delivered for our communities.

"By making this pledge we are reenforcing and developing our commitment to widening the pool of applicants for jobs in recognition of the skills gaps felt nationally.

"The Partnership is proud to support anything that helps us develop and retain our workforce for years to come."

The Partnership has a good record for employing and retaining older workers and are committed to improving this even more.

Of the total workforce across the three councils, 44 per cent are aged over 50 and 21 per cent are aged between 40-49.