Calls for more employment opportunities for over 50s

statistically Welsh people over 50 are less likely to be in work than in most other parts of the UK.

More than a third of people aged between 50 to 64 are not working and long term unemployment is a real concern, according to a National Assembly report.

The Enterprise and Business Committee of the National Assembly for Wales has made a number of recommendations it feels are needed to create more employment opportunities for people aged over 50 in Wales.

There are just under 1.2 million people aged 50 and over in Wales and statistically Welsh people in this age group are less likely to be in work than in most other parts of the UK, with 36% of people aged 50 - 64 years not in work.

Between November 2014 and February 2015, the committee carried out an inquiry into the employment opportunities for people over 50, including scrutinising the Welsh Government's Strategy for Older People in Wales 2013-23.

The committee is calling for more research into the barriers to employment for those aged over 50. Credit: PA

The committee heard that long term unemployment is a real concern in this age group, with nearly 38% of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance have been doing so for more than 12 months - a greater percentage than any other age group in Wales.

William Chiverton from Cardiff is in his 60s and worked as a manager and buyer of women's fashion for around 20 years.

William was made redundant as manager of a leather fashion shop in Cardiff during the recession.

He says he was made redundant when the industry moved away from the UK and to the Far East.

He is also a football coach and has been for the last 42 years, running sessions every week at Roath Park.

He's been unemployed for around 5 years and says he feels discriminated against because of his age.

William is also a football coach and has been for the last 42 years.

He says more should be done by employers to support those with greater experience in the workplace.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said that it will consider the report and respond in due course.