Forties People

Nearly half of Britain's business leaders want the next government to focus heavily on providing funding to employ jobseekers over the age of 50, according to research released today (May 4th).

Ahead of the May 6th general election, a new study also shows that a combined total of 56 per cent of bosses believe that a change in government would best represent the needs of UK jobseekers, with 37 per cent opting for the Conservatives and 19 per cent favouring a Liberal Democrat government. Meanwhile, less than one-third (30 per cent) said that the current Labour government is the best option for the nation's job sector.

Other specific policies favoured as well as improving conditions for over-50s included temporary tax relief for firms hiring to fill new roles (41 per cent would like to see this), action on retraining job hunters in transferable skills (39 per cent) and focusing on creating more jobs for British nationals.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats economic spokesman Vince Cable came out on top in the poll to find out which politician companies would like to have working for them, with 45 per cent opting for the former Shell economist.

Posted by James Strang