Age concern

Apr 23 2008 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A NEW report has flagged up an issue which perhaps the whole community should be aware of.

The New Local Government Network says that two-thirds of those who work in local government are aged over 40. It isn’t rocket science to see that we will get to a point where there is a mass exodus of experienced people from key areas of work.

The report suggests that one in three council workers will retire within the next decade.

In Kirklees, local Unison secretary Paul Holmes warns that replacing council employees is already difficult and that there are problems recruiting younger people, particularly in care areas.

The skills shortage applies in other areas of work too and Kirklees has addressed some problems by training more electricians, plumbers and masons.

But the concerning picture is one that we all recognise: a fast-ageing population which will leave behind a massive gap in terms of experience, skills and contacts.