Older people more likely to take up low-paid jobs

Older people entering the workforce are almost five times more likely to take up low-paid service or "elementary" jobs, than professional positions, an Equality Authority survey has found.

The proportion of people working between the ages of 50 and 69 has risen in the last 10 years, reversing a long-term downward trend. However, people in this age bracket were not taking up higher managerial jobs.

The report on Ageing and Labour Market Participation found that 50 per cent of people starting jobs over the age of 50 went into the service and sales industry or into "elementary occupations", while just over 10 per cent had entered as "professionals". An even smaller proportion, 3.4 per cent, took up positions as senior officials, managers or legislators. Some 91 per cent started working as employees and two thirds are employed for less than 15 hours a week.

Mr Paul Murray of Age Action Ireland welcomed the fact that older people were being considered for jobs, but said it was a pity they were mostly in the service industry.

"It seems to happen that when companies seek older people, it's usually to work in the service industry, because fewer people will work those types of jobs." There was an increase in the number of older people who wanted to work, he said, "but sadly there's also an increase in the number of people who have to work".