Mature Age Employment: Recent Developments in Public Policy in Australia and the UK

Abstract

Objective: To examine recent policy developments in mature age employment in Australia and the UK. Method: Recent data and policy statements in the UK and Australia, supplemented by the findings from interviews undertaken with government and industry leaders in the UK in October/November 1998, reflecting similar work in Australia, were analysed and compared. Conclusions: •bL Population ageing, a long term decline in activity rates and skills among mature age workers and discrimination against them are important policy issues in both Australia and the UK (as in other countries). •bL A major policy difference is the use of antidiscrimination and related legislation in Australia; compared with a reliance on education and codes of practice in the UK. Sustained awareness raising is required, together with evaluation of the longer-term impact on employer practices. •bL Employer involvement is low and systematic approaches are needed to identify and support good practice by employers towards older workers in both countries. •bL A comprehensive approach is crucial (whole of government, industry, unions), taking into account industry, occupational, locational and gender differentials.