In a bid to close the UK’s skills gap and address the fact that Britain has an ageing population, eight major companies have pledged to recruit more older workers. By 2012, the aim is for 12% of their workforces to be over the age of 50. Among them is home-care franchise Home Instead Senior Care, which believes the move will not only enable the company to source more talent but also improve the level of care its clients receive.
Joining the franchise in promising to increase the number of older employees are Boots, Barclays and Aviva, the insurance company. The initiative is being spearheaded by Business in the Community, the charity promoting responsible businesses cultures in the UK. It’s part of the charity’s campaign aimed at encouraging more companies to introduce a “silver quota” and publish data on the ages of employees. The charity believes that this will help UK businesses avoid 7.5 million roles being left vacant. “The UK is facing a colossal skills gap, and older workers are vital to filling it,” said Andy Briggs, CEO of Aviva and leader of Business in the Community’s Age at Work leadership team. “Businesses can show leadership here through committing to real change and actively seeking to recruit more over 50s into their organisations.”
Speaking exclusively to Elite Franchise, Martin Jones, managing director at Home Instead Senior Care, said: “We recognise the importance of older workers. Age to us is seen as a real advantage. Often our older caregivers find common ground and mutual hobbies with clients as they can share memories and life experiences. They are some of our most valued team members. That’s why we support [Business in the Community’s] call for businesses to commit and publish the number and percentage of older workers in their workforce.”
Given that the franchising industry’s care sector has enjoyed impressive growth in recent years, the benefits from introducing a “silver quota” will surely help Home Instead Senior Care stand out from the competition and widen their talent pool.
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.