How can tackling workplace ageism boost our economy?

Current research reveals that workers over 50 are being rejected from key roles across the country, with discrimination and bias from employers and recruiters often endemic. Over 1 million people aged 50+ across the UK want to work but are unemployed.

This RSA event is in collaboration with the OECD to launch their new report, Promoting Better Career Mobility for Longer Working Lives in the United Kingdom. The report highlights the key challenges faced by older workers in the UK labour market and outlines essential public and employer policies that can facilitate career mobility at older ages.

After a presentation on the report, our experts will convene to discuss the true cost of workplace ageism. The panel will feature Shruti Singh, Senior Economist, OECD; Simon Fanshawe OBE, Co-founder, Diversity by Design; Mike Mansfield, CEO, ProAge; Roisin Mackenzie, Chief People Officer, Saga; and Lucy Standing, Co-founder, Brave Starts – and will explore how addressing ageism in the workplace could boost the UK’s economy by £9 billion annually—an essential step for the country’s future prosperity.

This event is held in association with the RSA Economy & Business Network.

Join us at the RSA for a vital discussion on workplace ageism.

Note: this event will take place at RSA House and will be live-streamed online – please ensure to register for the correct ticket type to avoid disappointment 

Shruti Singh

Senior Economist, ageing and employment policies at OECD
Portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing a patterned blouse and pearl earrings. The background is softly blurred, showing an indoor setting with light coming through large windows. The image is in black and white.

Simon Fanshawe OBE

Diversity consultant, broadcaster, and author
A black and white photo of a middle-aged man wearing glasses and a suit with a patterned tie. He is posed indoors, in front of a wooden panel wall, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Mike Mansfield FRSA

CEO, ProAge
A smiling person with glasses, wearing a button-up shirt. They have a bald head and are standing against a light, textured wall. The image is in black and white.

Roisin Mackenzie

Chief People Officer, Saga
Person with shoulder-length hair wearing a buttoned cardigan, looking at the camera with a neutral expression in a softly lit indoor setting. Black and white image.

Lucy Standing FRSA

Co-founder, Brave Starts
Black and white portrait of a person with long, light-colored hair, smiling gently at the camera against a plain, dark background.

Julia George

Journalist, BBC
A smiling person with short, dark hair, wearing a dark button-up shirt, stands against a plain white background. The image is in black and white.

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