Council signs-up to become an Age-Friendly Employer

Monday 15th January 2024

Ards and North Down Borough Council has approved the adoption of the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge as part of the Council's continued commitment to being an age-friendly Borough.

The Age-Friendly Employer Pledge is a nationwide programme for employers that recognise the importance and value of older workers. They are committed to improving work for people aged over 50 and are prepared to take action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said:

"The adoption of the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge is both a statement and recognition of the Council's commitment to people of all ages that our Borough should be 'A Great Place to Live and Grow Older'. Our ageing population brings opportunities and challenges so it is essential that all organisations, especially those that make decisions on behalf of the public, ensure that environments are created to allow people to flourish as they age. We all want to live healthy, active and engaged lives.

"We hope the Council's adoption of the pledge will set an example to other businesses in the Borough, and Officers will be encouraging other employers to consider signing the pledge as one of the proposed actions in the Age-Friendly Strategy and Action Plan."

Jeff Scroggie, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said:

"Supporting the development of age-friendly communities is a key priority for the PHA and we are delighted to see Ards and North Down Borough Council introduce the Age-Friendly Employer pledge. By taking this pledge, the Council is showing continued commitment to improving the working environment for people aged over 50. We would encourage other employers to consider signing the pledge as an important first step to promote physical and social environments that support healthy and active ageing, and a good quality of life for older people. This will go a long way in supporting the long-term goal of making Northern Ireland age-friendly."

John Kiernan, Employer Engagement and Network Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:

"We are delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council has taken the important step of signing the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge. It has never been more important for employers of all sizes to be age-friendly and show that they recognise the importance of older workers. Having more local authorities sign the pledge is really great. Not only are local authorities often one of the biggest employers in any locality, but we know that the good practice they demonstrate can also be an inspiration and influence for other local employers to follow."

For more information on how to become an age-friendly employer, visit Centre for Ageing Better.