NSW Industrial Relations

Experience Works: The Mature Age Employment Challenge: Discussion Paper

oirrichard — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:58:41 +0000

This discussion paper, prepared for National Seniors Australia, examines the critical factors affecting mature age Australians’ ability to access paid employment and to remain in employment. Barriers to mature age employment discussed include: aged-based discrimination, barriers arising from the ageing process, skills and training barriers, and policy barriers.

http://www.sapo.org.au/pub/pub14083.html

June 2009 - latest news

OIR — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:06:45 +0000

Carers in Action NSW - Biennial Conference 2009

Did you attend the Carers in Action NSW conference 2009? - share your comments or thoughts on our discussion board. Add to the current discussions or start your own thread.

December - latest news

OIR — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:02:33 +0000

Thankyou for your comments so far.

- A new weekly segment on SBS radio called Homereach - providing practical information for the frail aged, people with a disability, and their carers.

- Federal Government inquiry into better support for Carers

- St George Migrant and Resource centre - Consultation for carers with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds.

We welcome your viewpoint on these resources, and also any new material you think should be brought to the attention of our readers.

Caring Works Forum

OIR — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:12:56 +0000

The Office of Industrial Relations held its Caring Works Forum on 23rd October during Carers Week. At the forum a DVD and a focus group report were launched providing insight into the lives of those who balance caring and working responsibilities.

In addition, a new webpage was made available providing further resources for employers and workers.

A discussion panel of five addressed the issue of how we can support mature aged workers with caring responsibilities to successfully participate in the work force. The panel members were:

- Bettina Cass, University of NSW

- Isaac Smith, Working Carers Gateway

- Belinda Tkalcevic, Australian Council of Trade Unions

- Mark Goodsell, Australian Industry Group

- Elena Katrakis, Carers NSW

This discussion board aims to continue the dialogue that began at the forum and to provide others with a chance to share comments and experiences.

The Question and Answer session at the forum has given rise to a number of discussion catergories - see left hand column. We welcome comments on these categories. If you feel there is a category missing, please let us know so we can add it to the discussion.

Changing attitudes

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:57:09 +0000

A participant at the Caring Works Forum suggested that carers often go out of their way to reciprocate flexibility when their employer gives consideration to their situation. Is this your experience?

Right to request

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:51:21 +0000

What are your thoughts on the right to request and the duty to consider legislation that was recently introduced in the UK?

Encouraging carers to identify themselves

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:45:52 +0000

Many carers are not comfortable in revealing their caring responsibilities to their employer for many reasons. Should carers be encouraged to come forward in the workplace? If so, how should they be encouraged to do this?

Workplace training

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:39:22 +0000

A participant at the Caring Works Forum suggested that training should be developed to ensure that all workers are more aware of the issues involved in managing caring and work. What other initiatives could help?

Providing clear business benefits

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:36:13 +0000

Clear business benefits may help to demonstrate to employers the value of employing mature aged workers, including those with caring responsibilities. What are the business benefits of employing and retaining mature aged workers and how can they be demonstrated? Here are some case studies - share your own stories below.

Assumptions about carers at work

OIR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:03:15 +0000

A carer at the forum claimed that many assumptions are made about those with caring responsibilities. The carer also stated that many people with caring responsibilities do not always receive support or assistance because they don’t fit the traditional view of a caring role. Do you have any experiences where assumptions have been made about you?