Supercharge Your Job Search: 6 Age-Inclusive Employers and What They Have to Offer

Midlifer and looking for a new employer? Feel you've got a lot of valuable expertise and experience to give? Suspect you're being overlooked in favour of younger, less experienced workers? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Forget the scatter-gun approach to jobhunting. Why not make your job search more effective by applying for roles with employers who actually welcome older workers?

Sound simple? OK, so how do you know who's inclusive?

In this article, we’ll share some of the best age-inclusive employers there are to work for.

What's an Inclusive Employer?

Unfortunately, ageism in the workplace remains common, despite legislative efforts to outlaw it. According to a study of older workers by Working Wise, 58% of job-seekers found that their age was a barrier to getting new employment, while 55% had encountered ageism during the recruitment process.

Is this fair? Of course not. But thankfully, change is happening.

An inclusive employer is one that prioritises diversity, equality and inclusion, so that all employees feel valued and welcome in the workplace. The perks of working with an age inclusive employer are endless―including higher morale, a greater talent pool and a more innovative culture.

As a midlifer, working for an age-inclusive employer means that you’re less likely to feel overlooked. It also makes the recruitment process a lot easier, as age-inclusive employers won’t disregard you due to your age.

Here at 55/Redefined, we work with countless age-inclusive employers who share our mission to advocate for age diversity, positivity and inclusion. By challenging the status quo, we want to create positive change and encourage a more age-inclusive workforce in the UK.

Are Age-Inclusive Employers on the Increase?

We’re now seeing more and more older workers 'unretiring' and returning to the workforce. Due to this Unretirement Uprising, more employers are seeing the value in hiring over-50s than ever before.

As a result, major firms including Natwest, ITV and Axa, are leading the way to create a more age-inclusive workforce in the UK―and the list of employers we work with continues to grow.

What Companies Out There Are Age-Inclusive?

Wondering what age-inclusive employers are out there, the actions they take to promote inclusion, and what they have to offer you? Here’s a list of 10 employers we work with, which can all be found on our Jobs/Redefined website.

1. ITV

Ever fancied a career in TV?

ITV welcomes applicants of every age. It's their mission to make sure every voice is heard, and every person is seen. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference, a role with them has the potential to reach millions of people. Because millions watch their content and interact with the products they build every single day.

Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don’t just watch it. Be part of it.

Take a look at the many roles on offer with ITV here.

2. AXA

AXA is an insurance company that operates in over 57 countries and serves over 100 million people worldwide.

With a company belief that all employees should be able to progress no matter their background, heritage, lifestyle or life stage, AXA is already making strides in their age-inclusivity efforts. They offer training opportunities and apprenticeships to help older workers re-skill, and have introduced policies to support workers who are experiencing the menopause.

AXA are continually looking to improve their age-inclusive policies, but their efforts so far have not gone unnoticed. Not only have they been awarded accreditation as an Age Inclusive employer here at 55/Redefined, but they also have a workforce where almost a quarter of employees are over the age of 50.

3. NatWest

A major retail and commercial bank based in the UK, NatWest is passionate about creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.

The team at NatWest recognise how workers over the age of 50 bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which can help the company increase innovation and problem solving. By building a diverse workforce, NatWest hopes to build teams that complement each other and provide great development opportunities.

Their efforts towards inclusion and equality have been recognised. NatWest has featured in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list every year since 2006, and has officially been awarded accreditation as an Age Inclusive employer by us here at 55/Redefined.

Find out more about how NatWest is championing an age-inclusive workforce here.

4. Dentsu

Dentsu is an advertising network working with major brands across the world. Why not play your part in shaping the advertising images and messages we see everyday, and help advertising become more inclusive? Dentsu is committed to being age inclusive, investing in technical training and re-skilling for over 50s, including a brand-new apprenticeship programme aimed at re-training midlifers across the company and ensuring its recruitment process is inclusive towards older workers.

The company also has a flexible leave policy to enable employees to support their families at different life stages. Take a look at the roles on offer here.

5. Network Rail

Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. This means they manage 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, thousands of signals, level crossings and 20 of the largest UK stations.

As part of their equality, diversity and inclusion policy, they have committed to challenging any discriminatory behaviours – whether it be ageism, classism, disablism, homophobia, racism, sectarianism or sexism. This sentiment is also extended to their employment and promotion practices.

Benefits in working with Network Rail include 28 days annual leave and up to 70% off on rail and underground season tickets. Check out what jobs they currently have on offer here.

6. Canal & River Trust

Caring for a 2,000-mile-long, 200-year-old network of canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, Canal & River Trust is a charity trust that was set up in 2012.

Canal & River Trust is a great company to keep an eye on if you’re passionate about sustainability. Not only do their waters provide opportunities for boating, angling, cycling, walking and paddling, but they also have the potential to power our future and aid in the fight against climate change.

Take a look at the age-inclusive opportunities they currently have available here.

Whatever your career area, rest assured that there are plenty of employers out there now who value and are actively seeking older workers. Supercharge your job search by making sure to target companies that will appreciate your skills.

Further Resources to Help You With Your Job Search

Searching for a new job? Here are some resources to help you get started:

• Jobs/Redefined list of age-inclusive employers: Discover what other employers have received Age Inclusive Accreditation from us.
• Jobs/Redefined jobs portal: Find available age-inclusive jobs, and filter them by industry, location, experience level and more.
• Life/Redefined online training courses: Upskill and unlock your potential with our hub of free online training courses.
• Life/Redefined Redefiners: Inspirational stories from other over-50s who have redefined their midlife.

Are you an employer looking to cultivate a more inclusive workforce? Check out our Work/Redefined website for more research, information and advice to recruit, engage, retain and retrain Over-50s talent.