To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) how he is engaging with and facilitating older people who want to work, remain in work or re-enter employment; (ii) how workplaces have been advised to better facilitate the needs and requirements of older workers; and (iii) his assessment of how, and in what ways, older workers can uniquely contribute to modern workplaces.

Our ability to achieve a more prosperous and inclusive society is dependent upon the success of our economy. As people are living longer, the proportion of older people who are represented in our workforce is continuing to grow. Improving the quality of work through my good jobs agenda will provide for a more inclusive workforce.

My department has delivered age-specific interventions, such as the Ignite Your Skills pilot initiative, which targeted those aged 40+, and continues to support several initiatives which enable people of all ages to upskill or reskill, and thus improve their employability.

My department-led Skills, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (SEDI) sub-group considers the access and participation in skills and education of under-represented groups. The older age cohort is a specific focus of this sub-group.

DfE Careers Service provides impartial and personalised advice and guidance on an all-age basis, delivered by professionally qualified Careers Advisers. The aim is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of age or ability, have access to independent careers guidance and advice which helps them to maximise their potential and contribute to their community and the local economy.

Careers Advisers can help adults to explore their personal strengths, skills and abilities and explore opportunities for re-skilling and up-skilling, informed by the anticipated needs of the labour market. This includes opportunities such as All Age Apprenticeships which were introduced in September 2023 with the aim of encouraging more adults to undertake an apprenticeship.

Opening apprenticeships to all will help to create more careers options for people of all ages, attract more adults back in the workplace, supporting inclusion and a culture of lifelong learning. It can also help address skills gaps in key sectors such as Health & Social Care, where the life experiences of older workers can be of particular benefit.

Older workers bring a wealth of experience which helps to foster a more diverse working environment and will help us to achieve our economic ambitions of increased employment and productivity. It is right therefore that those older people who wish to remain within or re-enter the workforce are able to do so freely.

Age is a protected characteristic under our human rights and equality legislation: therefore employment rights, entitlements and protections apply equally, regardless of age. These rights are enforceable through the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals.

My department funds the Labour Relations Agency which provides an advice, guidance and early conciliation service. We also provide information and guidance to employers and employees through the NI Direct and NIBusiness Info websites.

Following a co-design and consultation process, it is my intention to bring forward an employment rights Bill within the current Assembly mandate to ensure the employment law framework remains fit for purpose and operates effectively for both businesses and workers. Groups representing the interests of older workers will be engaged as part of the consultation process.

All policies under consideration will be actively screened for equality impacts, including those impacting older workers. This will be an ongoing process at key stages throughout the policy development and legislative processes. My department has also engaged with the Equality Commission in that regard.

We will also continue to engage with stakeholders around creating a culture of lifelong learning, including determining how we can address the barriers to individuals and employers in taking part in lifelong learning opportunities.