THE NUMBER of older people in work in Warrington rose by more than 2,000 last year.

Last year saw an increase of more than 2,000 people aged 50-64 in jobs in the town according to new stats from the Department for Work and Pensions, giving an overall employment rate in older people of 72.3 per cent.

That number is above both the national rate of 70.1 per cent and considerable higher than the figure for the north west, which is 65 per cent.

Baroness Ros Altmann, the minister for pensions, welcomed the news but hoped the figure could increase even further.

She said: “It is great news that there are more older people in employment in Warrington – it shows that people who want to work longer are able to and that employers are waking up to the experience and skills that older workers bring.

“But we still have a long way to go – it is vital that we continue to harness the potential of older workers.

“Allowing all employees and new applicants to be considered on their merits is vital, especially given the demographic challenges that our economy faces.

“I hope more employers will recognise the positive value to their business of recruiting and training older staff as well as considering the benefits of flexible working.”

The DWP pointed to the right to request flexible working for all and the outlawing of forced retirement at 65 as reasons for the increase, as well as pilot schemes helping older people into work by helping them build skills and confidence.