Older Workers

Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 21 Ebrill 1955.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton 12:00, 21 Ebrill 1955

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of registered male unemployed are aged over 45 and 65 years, respectively.

Photo of Sir Walter Monckton Sir Walter Monckton , Bristol West

Age analyses of the numbers of unemployed persons are obtained only at six-monthly intervals, and the latest date for which figures are available is 6th December, 1954. At that date the total number of males registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain was 154,556, of whom 186 per cent. were between 40 and 50 years of age, 392 per cent. were between 50 and 65 years of age, and 27 per cent. were aged 65 and over. A sub-division at the age of 45 is not available.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Do not these figures show that an unduly high percentage of persons are unable to get work merely because of their age? Why are the Government so ruthless in pushing older people to one side—even a great Prime Minister—merely because they are old, and even though they are quite capable of doing a useful job of work?

Photo of Sir Walter Monckton Sir Walter Monckton , Bristol West

I should not like to hear anything said about the age group between 40 and 65, which is a very satisfactory group, but I and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary are doing all we can—and I did something on Monday last—to try to encourage people to appreciate what virtues there are in employing people of middle age, both men and women.

Photo of Mr Paul Williams Mr Paul Williams , Sunderland South

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, certainly in the North-East of England, people are aware of, and grateful for, the work that has been done by the voluntary committees in relation to the employment of older people?