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[panhandle]

My Dad has recently been made reundant from a well paid job. He is just turned 60 and slightly disabled. He is very keen to work but feels that he is now on the 'scrapheap'. Are people over 60 still considered employable?

[Mrs_Pegasus]

It really depends on his skills.  My mum is 68 and for the last 9 years has had a very skilled job.  At 65 the Council could have retired her without question but due to her skills she has been kept on and in effect calls the shots!

My friends grandad decided to retire last Friday at the age of 82!

Has your dad thought about working for himself?  My dad retired at 59 through illness and is now partially disabled.  We thought he would never cope having worked all his life and never having a day off sick in nearly 40 years!  Its amazing how he filled his life with all the things he always said he would do and now at the age of 75 he has a busier social life than me!

[joko]

it depends on his areas of expertise. I have heard that older people are preferable in some jobs - for instance in an advisory capacity in stores such as b&q and do-it-all. would you ask a 20 year old for real advice? also as housing wardens, groundsman, sales, mortgage advisor, gardening etc subconsciously people tend to consider older people more trustworthy and knowledgable and helpful. Tell your dad he is not on the scrap heap - he will find something. perhaps he could do a few courses to help him feel he is fully up to date with technology or new ideas and to boost his confidence

[kazza12345]

our local b&q employ disabled older people all the time

[panhandle]

I thank you all for taking the time to reply. I will let my Father view your worthwhile comments on his next visit.

[Buenchico]

In some jobs (e.g. work in the City of London or in some advertising agencies) quite a few firms would never even consider employing anyone over the age of 30! (I've actually known someone, in the advertising/PR field, who was told by several companies that he was too old. He was28!).

Fortunately, there are other companies with far more enlightened policies. B & Q has already been suggested. (Only recently I read that their oldest employee is 92!). The other well-known company which welcomes applications from older people is Asda.

Chris

[mactee]

im 60+ and expect to continue working as long as i can. im lucky to be fit and healthy and have not had a day off sick for more than 10 years unlike all of our much younger team. my bosses obviously recognise this and i am so busy i run rings around the youngsters. never give up or allow the youngsters to even think they can ever catch you up!