Forties People

People aged 50-plus who are in still in regular jobs have been hailed by business minister Pat McFadden.

According to the government official, older people are rapidly becoming the "backbone" of the British economy.

"We should be recognising this and looking for ways to meet their needs," he commented.

Mr McFadden said this would help the UK to make the most of what older workers have to offer.

He also stated that it is necessary for the country to utilise all of its talent as it continues to invest in growth.

"That means harnessing the skills of the older generation as well as the young," he said.

Mr McFadden added that this would put Britain in the "strongest possible position" as it tries to recover from the recent economic slump.

Official figures released last month showed that during the final quarter of 2009, the economy only just moved out of recession, expanding by 0.1 per cent.