Older women hit hardest by Coalition cuts, Labour claims

Women over the age of 50 are hit hardest by the Government's economic policies, according to research carried out by the Labour Party, the Guardian has reported.

Office for National Statistics figures shows unemployment among women aged 50 to 64 has risen by almost a third since the coalition came to power, compared with the overall increase of 4.2% for all people over 16.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told the paper: "A toxic combination of sexism and ageism is causing problems for this generation."

The Labour Party is to announce a social care information service as part of the launch of a special older woman's commission to tackle the problem.