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Working and ageing
162 Guidance and counselling for mature learners

principles emerge which could be used to improve individual, organisational
and national approaches to inclusion of older workers in the workforce.
Policies and practice should be informed by the principles of
communication, flexibility, ideally with all stakeholders in consultation, the
State, employers and the workforce. Other important aspects for older
workers, indeed all workers, are transition, phased transitions, lifelong
learning, intergenerational mentoring, flexible phased pension benefits, and
consideration of individual needs in the workplace. Pension and benefit laws
can be simplified. Jobs can be designed and structured for work to be flexible.
Human resource practices should be inclusive and respect diversity.
Employers and workers both require access to information and training. Older
workers would benefit from support through vocational education and training,
which should incorporate counselling and career planning. Positive
approaches to an ageing workforce, with consideration of individual,
organisational and national needs will be of benefit to all.

References

ACAS (2010) Advice leaflet: employing older workers (Promoting
employment relations and HR excellence). London: ACAS
Atwater, D.; Pop, D. (2008). Where do older workers go? Graziadio
business report, Vol. 11, Issue 3,
Avedon, L. (1995). Older workers in transition. (ERIC digest ED400474).
Bredgaard, T. et al. (2005). The flexible Danish labour market: a review.
Aalborg: CARMA, Aarlborg University (Carma research papers;
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Cedefop (2010) Statistics and indicators: older workersʼ training: low, but
why? http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/articles/16495.aspx.
Dawe, S. (2009). Older workers and VET: at a glance. Adelaide: NCVER
Dychtwald, K. et al. (2006). Workforce crisis: how to beat the coming
shortage of skills and talent Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School
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European Commission (2011a). Annual growth survey: advancing the EUʼs
comprehensive response to the crisis. Communication from the
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the
Committee of the Regions. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the
European Union (COM(2011) 11 final)