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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published an updated draft guideline on workplace policy and practices to help improve the health and wellbeing of all employees, including those aged 50 and over in paid or unpaid work.

This draft guideline updates and replaces existing NICE guidance on the same topic published earlier in 2015 which did not include recommendations on older people. 

The proportion of people aged 50 to 64 in employment has increased from 62% in 2001 to 67% in 20131. By 2020, it is predicted that older people will account for almost a third (32%) of the working age population and half of the adult population2. Increases in the state pension age may mean the proportion of this group continuing in employment increases further.  If people in this group are to work until 68, action is needed to raise their general level of health, reduce health inequalities and offer a broader range of employment opportunities

The draft guideline includes new recommendations that support the health and wellbeing of employees aged over 50, including steps to extend their working lives. 

Recommendations include:

• Employers, managers and HR teams should treat each employee as an individual and avoid making stereotypical assumptions about them. For instance, not assuming that an older employee may find learning new tasks difficult or that they are more dependable.
• As with other employees, offer or support older employees to get training to stay in work should their job role change, if that is what they choose to do.
• Tailor training programmes to meet employees’ individual needs, learning style and ability. This could include providing:
  • a training needs analysis
  • work-based, practical on-the-job training
  • mentoring or one-to-one sessions
  • opportunities for reflection.
• Address the needs of older employees as part of a broad diversity policy that recognises key life stages and life events. (This includes the shifting of caring responsibilities from care of children to care for grandchildren or parents).

Professor Gillian Leng, Deputy Chief Executive and Health and Social Care Director at NICE, said: “Changes to the working population and the state pension age will mean that greater numbers of people will be working well into their 60s and 70s.  It is, therefore, important that the health and wellbeing of all employees, including those over 50, is promoted and protected.  The draft guidance is now out for consultation, and I would urge all those with an interest in this area to comment via the NICE website.”

For further information, please contact the NICE press office on 0300 323 0142 /pressoffice@nice.org.uk or out of hours on 07775 583 813.

Notes to editors

References

1. Older workers statistical information booklet, Department for Work and Pensions. 2013.  https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/older-workers-statistical-information-booklet-quarter-2-2013.
2. National Population Projections, 2012-based projections, Office for National Statistics. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-318453.

 About the guidance

1. The draft guideline is available on the NICE website at:/guidance/indevelopment/gid-phg59.
2. The consultation on the draft guideline will remain open until Monday 19 October 2015. Comments will then be reviewed before the final guideline is published for NHS use next year.
3. NICE guidelines cover health and care in England. Decisions on how they apply in other UK countries are made by ministers in the Welsh Government, Scottish Government, and Northern Ireland Executive.

About NICE

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for driving improvement and excellence in the health and social care system. We develop guidance, standards and information on high-quality health and social care. We also advise on ways to promote healthy living and prevent ill health.

Our aim is to help practitioners deliver the best possible care and give people the most effective treatments, which are based on the most up-to-date evidence and provide value for money, in order to reduce inequalities and variation.

Our products and resources are produced for the NHS, local authorities, care providers, charities, and anyone who has a responsibility for commissioning or providing healthcare, public health or social care services.

To find out more about what we do, visit our website:www.nice.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @NICEComms.