Jobs and Careers Summer 2023 - 64

RETURNING TO WORK
Starting over
R
eturning to work after a
career break is daunting.
But whether you've taken
time out to deal with health
issues (yours or someone
else's), you've been looking after small
children, or you were made redundant,
businesses are keen to recruit committed
workers, and there is help available to
support you in rejoining the workforce.
Returning to work after having retired
is also becoming more common. Whether
you're driven by the soaring costs of living
and need money to top up your pension,
or you miss the challenge, stimulation
and camaraderie of the workplace, older
workers are valued by many employers. If
you want part-time hours, there will be
something to fit around commitments
such as caring for grandchildren.
Life after redundancy
As challenging as it is to lose your job,
redundancy can offer you a golden
chance to consider a career switch.
" We often get stuck in a work rut, but
there's no better time than when you're
between jobs to take your career in a new
direction, " says career coach Beverley
Spencer (confidenceconnoisseur.com).
" With a positive attitude and fresh skills,
redundancy could be the springboard
to a career that's more enriching. "
For inspiration, check out the free
" Enjoyable work can give women
a sense of purpose and identity "
Justine Roberts is the Founder and CEO of
Mumsnet, the UK's most popular parents' website
There's a lot of evidence to show that employers benefit from an
intergenerational workforce and a variety of perspectives. Having
a mix of older and younger staff - with plenty of opportunities to
exchange skills and share experiences - is good for employees
and employers alike.
Mumsnet users over 50 leaving the workplace most frequently cite stress,
exhaustion or poor management as reasons for leaving. Older workers sometimes
feel disadvantaged in the recruitment process, meaning they feel less inclined
to pursue new roles when faced with issues at work, and retire early instead.
However, 85% of Mumsnet users over 50 thinking of leaving the workforce
say they could be tempted to stay - and there's lots employers could do to
persuade them, such as increased flexibility, better management and an
improved work-life balance. They'd also welcome training opportunities that
allow them to get more out of their employment, and better understanding
and provision for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
Why should women over 50 consider going back to work? Mumsnet
users over 50 who enjoy their work tell us it gives them a sense of
purpose and personal identity, makes them feel valued, and that
they also enjoy the social side of being in the workplace.
The prospect of re-entering the workforce can be intimidating,
but fear not - there's plenty of support for 'returners'
courses available through
government-funded Skills
Bootcamp schemes, or reasonably
priced distance-learning courses
on LearnDirect.
If you'd rather stick with
what you know, a 'returnship'
could be for you. These are
competitively paid fixed-term
contracts (usually for three to
six months) that are available
in some companies, with a
good chance of an ongoing role
at the end. You'll usually be
offered coaching, mentoring and
training during your placement.
Individual companies offer this,
so enquire if it's an option.
Mums go back to work
More employers than ever are offering
flexible terms, which is great news for
mothers returning to work. There's also
government support to help with childcare
costs - for example, you can get up to
£500 every three months (up to £2,000
a year) for each child to help pay for
their care. Eligible working families in
England with three- and four-year old
children can receive 30 hours of free
childcare a week. To find out more, visit
helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk.
Working Mums (workingmums.co.uk)
connects employers offering flexible
full-time, part-time or home-based jobs
with professional women seeking those
roles. It also offers retraining courses.
Disabled jobseekers
Under the Equality Act 2010, you are
considered disabled if you have a physical
or mental impairment that has a 'long
term' and 'substantial' negative effect on
your ability to do normal daily activities.
The Equality Act makes it unlawful for
64 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
http://confidenceconnoisseur.com http://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk http://workingmums.co.uk http://jobsandcareersmag.com
Jobs and Careers Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Summer 2023
