Could older workers help fix our labour shortages?
OLDER WORKERS CRUCIAL
Since 2021 Kenneth, aged 69, has worked 15 hours a week at a Port Douglas restaurant and he’d like to work more.
What’s stopping him is the fear of his pension being affected.
This could change if recommendations from older people’s organisations to the Federal Government Jobs and Skills Summit are accepted.
The Federal Treasury believes one goal of the Jobs and Skills Summit is to “Expand employment opportunities for all Australians including the most disadvantaged”.
“Our older and skilled workforce could ease the labour shortages in Australia,” Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants secretary Cherith Weis said.
“This could happen if the rules were changed to enable older people to work without it affecting their Pension.”
How the pension reduction affects workers
Having worked in hospitality for many years Kenneth has no desire to retire.
“Every week I work 15 hours in 5-hour shifts,” Kenneth said.
“If I work more hours my pension is reduced. In other words, I’d earn just over $11 per hour. Seriously there aren’t too many people who’d get out of bed for that wage,” Kenneth said.
As a Community Development Officer at Mossman Support Services Erica Mast speaks with older people who are struggling with the high cost of living.
“If people of retirement age who wished to continue to work in some capacity could do so without affecting their pension, then I’d say that sounds brilliant,” Ms Mast said.
“There are barriers to older people participating in the workforce other than Social Services rules such as age discrimination and some physical limitations, even so, I think a lot would welcome the chance to work.”
The benefits of work
While extra money would be helpful, many older people are at risk of loneliness and isolation and would also benefit from social engagement and community connections.
“This generation has a strong professional ethic and work hard, it was simply the way they were raised,” Ms Mast said.
An older workforce brings a mature attitude with a wealth of experience and different skills.
“I have years of experience in working and running restaurants and can solve complex problems and the regular customers get to know me. That’s what I enjoy.” Kenneth said.