Employers are turning their backs on the over-50s because they assume they will be less productive than younger staff.

That was one of the findings of a recent report by Age Concern England, which investigated why older workers found it hard to get work.

The problem of age discrimination in the workplace will be in the spotlight at a major conference in Brighton next month. The seminar will draw on the experiences of major employers, such as B&Q, which is well known for championing older workers.

Organiser Persia West, who runs social inclusion company A Place At The Table, hopes Sussex's small business community will be encouraged to follow B&Q's lead.

She said: "The problem is getting the message across because a lot of small businesses think issues like age discrimination do not apply to them.

"But there are about 3,100 unemployed people in Brighton and 3,000 job vacancies so if we can match the skills to the jobs we could have almost 100 per cent employment."

Government representatives and academics will discuss the benefits of a mixed-age workforce at the conference.

Business delegates will be told underemployment of the over-50s, rather than the ageing demographic itself, poses a serious threat to the economy.

It has been estimated there is the potential for up to one million older people to enter the labour market, adding almost £30 billion to the economy.

In most occupations, over-50s are just as productive as workers aged 25 to 49.

Ms West said: "It is madness to think people over the age of 45 are coming to the end of their careers but that is ingrained in a lot of people's thinking.

"That logic would wipe out a lot of people, including the Prime Minister, and is just based on fear and prejudice.

"You might employ a 26-year-old who comes to work every day on drugs while a 50-year-old could be at the peak of their skills."

Other speakers include Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper and Andrew Harrop from Age Concern.

The New Age - The Benefits Of A Mixed Workforce takes place at the University of Sussex Conference Centre, Brighton, on May 27.

For more details, call Ms West or Janie Kavanagh on 01273 725312 or 243862.

Friday April 16, 2004