The number of jobs for older workers in the United Kingdom is increasing, and many companies are hiring more workers over fifty years old. Employers see older workers as valuable because they are experienced, reliable, and productive.
Today’s blog will go through the top 10 companies employing older workers, why these companies might appeal, and what kind of experience you should expect to have there.
Top 10 Companies in the UK Employing Older Workers
Here’s our shortlist of the top 10 companies employing older workers in the UK.
1. HSBC
HSBC is a multinational banking and financial services corporation based in London. It employs over 7,000 workers between 55-64 years old, which makes up 16% of its workforce (the average age at the firm is under thirty).
HSBC offers opportunities for professional development, training, and support to help workers pursue jobs that are a good fit.
2. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Ltd
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Ltd manufactures luxury vehicles under three brands: Land Rover, Jaguar Cars & Aston Martin. JLR has about 70 employees over 50 years old, which is around 1% of their workforce.
While JLR states that there are no jobs in particular for older workers, they do say that it would be a good fit if an employee has experience and expertise with cars or knowledge about the luxury market.
3. BT Group PLC
BT Group PLC provides telecom services in the United Kingdom. It is one of the largest employers in Scotland, where they have around 700 jobs available to older people.
They state that there are no jobs that are exclusively open to workers over fifty years old. However, experience with telecommunications or engineering would be a great advantage for employees who want jobs at BT Group PLC.
4. Marks and Spencer Group PLC
Marks and Spencer Group PLC employs more than 30,000 people across the globe. M&S has jobs for over 750 workers between 55 and 64 years old, making up about 1% of their workforce.
The company provides opportunities to develop skills through training courses that are available ongoing (and it’s free to employees). M&S also has 21 learning apprenticeship programmes from 14 different providers for jobs at all career levels.
5. Boots UK Limited
Boots UK Limited provides health and beauty products across the country. The company employs more than 19,500 people, around 170 of whom are between 55-64 years old (that’s 0.79% of their workforce).
Boots UK Limited is a large employer in the United Kingdom, so jobs are available across multiple locations and at all career levels. Employees can develop their skills through different kinds of training courses that focus on specific areas.
6. McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd
McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd. has outlets throughout Great Britain that provide food services to customers. The fast-food restaurant employs around 65,000 people in the country, and jobs are open to over 200 employees aged 55 or over (0.79% of their workforce).
The company has a ‘McDonald’s University’ programme that provides training courses for jobs at different levels within the organisation, from entry-level positions up through management roles.
7. British Gas
British Gas is one of the largest gas and electricity suppliers to homes across Great Britain. It employs around 20,000 people in total jobs available with over 450 workers between 55-64 years old (over 2% of their workforce).
Employees have opportunities to develop skills through training courses provided by the company, which they offer on a regular basis.
8. Barclays Bank
Barclays Bank provides banking, insurance, and investment services to customers in the United Kingdom. The company employs over 140,000 people across all jobs available with around 900 workers between 55-64 years old (around 0.79% of their workforce).
Employees have opportunities to develop skills through training courses provided by Barclays Bank. These courses cover a variety of topics related to finance or technology jobs.
9. Unilever UK & Ireland Ltd
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company that sells food, beverages and personal care products. The company has jobs for over 1,650 people between 55 and 64 years old (about 1% of their workforce).
Employees have opportunities to develop skills through training courses provided by the company, which they offer on a regular basis.
10. Synectics Solutions
Synectics Solutions is a global consulting firm that provides services to businesses and other organisations. The company employs around 2,000 people with over 450 workers between 55-64 years old (over 1% of their workforce).
Employees can develop skills through training courses provided by Synectics Solutions, which focus on different industries or career paths within the organisation.
Key Takeaways
This list demonstrates the variety of companies employing older workers in the UK and some of the opportunities they provide. Many jobs for over 50s can be rewarding and still provide the potential for career development.
Refreshing a Career works to empower older workers to find their dream job and settle into a new career at any age. We also have a wealth of valuable resources to support career changers and older workers during their job hunt.
You’ll find comprehensive guides on volunteering, retraining, and building your confidence. Our job board is updated regularly with low-stress jobs for retirees.
If you’re an employer looking to hire more older workers or career changers, we have put together some useful career change interview questions to help you.
For further advice, check out our resources on changing careers or browse our live job board for career change opportunities near you.
