‘Crucial’ employees who would consider quitting without flexible hours

• Advanced manufacturing
• Clean energy industries
• Creative industries
• Defence
• Digital and technologies (including AI and quantum computing)
• Financial services
• Life sciences
• Professional and business services

However, these key sectors are also losing about 440,000 employees over 50 each year through early exits, resulting in a £31-billion loss annually for the UK economy, according to the centre’s report.

“Over 50s are a crucial part of the workforce in these sectors, meaning that retention and upskilling is just as important to the Strategy’s success as attracting and training new entrants,” the report read.

Improving retention for workers

A key recommendation from the centre is the introduction of more flexible working options and the improvement of job design to support longer and more fulfilling work lives for employees.

It also recommended expanded access to occupational health and in-work support for those managing health conditions, as well as improved availability of midlife training, career guidance, and financial advice.