I’m a passionate advocate for workers over 50

With thirty-seven 50PLUS champions now in place across Great Britain, DWP plays a vital role in developing and strengthening support, training and job opportunities for customers aged 50 and over. 

Angela Jones, a 50PLUS champion in South East Wales, explains how her own later life experiences have shaped her approach to helping customers. 

Angela explained: “I’m someone who has undergone a change in career during my 50s and my personal experience had a profound effect on how I interact with and support customers over 50. 

“I previously worked in the education and training sector, and I needed a new career that allowed me to balance caring for an elderly parent, alongside needing to support my children. I’m a single parent and before I worked in DWP I sometimes felt like I was confronted with a myriad of conflicting priorities. Managing everything could feel overwhelming. 

“It can be a big step to change jobs, especially later in life. Finding an employer that recognises the wealth of experience and knowledge workers over 50 can offer to their organisation took self-belief as well as the ability to showcase my skills during the recruitment process. I was lucky; DWP recognised the value of my experience, perspective and insight. 

Privileged to be able to give something back

“We all need a helping hand sometimes and someone to believe in us, when we have lost our sense of direction or purpose,” Angela said. 

“I’m privileged to be able to give something back; helping customers overcome some of the concerns that I once had about finding the right job.  

“Helping overcome barriers and boosting confidence is the first step; without this people will struggle. Once that support is in place, we can help the customer find the right employer and they can move into the right job – just like I did!” 

An amazing team

Angela continued: “I’m part of an amazing team and feel so proud of the work jobcentres and the Employer and Partnership Teams have done to promote the 50PLUS Choices offer.  

“There’s a huge range of 50PLUS opportunities being created in our district: Work Psychologist Group Information Sessions called ‘50PLUS Positive Perspectives’, 50PLUS Job Clubs and 50PLUS events, with age friendly employers offering job vacancies, plus local organisations offering support with health and pensions. Feedback from our events has been overwhelmingly positive with one customer saying: ‘It’s changed my life’. That really brings home the importance of what we’re doing. It means so much to be part of a team and an initiative that can transform the lives of so many in our community.”