Queenager Careers: the case for employing dynamic, zesty midlife women!
We're reliable, experienced and the UK economy (and our pensions) need us to work
Dear Queenagers
Welcome to this month’s Queenager Careers newsletter where I am going to turn the tables a bit and make the case for why it is so crucial for the economy, government and employers to hang on to – or re-employ – women in midlife. Yup, all you lovely lively, dynamic Queenagers.
Now of course that suits us because well, girl gotta pay rent and all that (not to mention some of our more outrageous and outlandish midlife hobbies, I do love a jetski!). But it is also an argument that needs to be made loud and clear, because it is not just that older women want to work (which we do and we’re damn good at it) but that if we don’t work there will be a gaping gender pension gap.
Last summer – August 2023 – was the first time the House of Commons started to look at the Gender pension Gap. It’s not pretty. Women retire with only 35% of the pension pots that men have. Given that women live longer that means millions of us staring down the barrel of an impecunious old age and massively reliant on the state pension. Many Queenagers have spent much of their lives caring for families, children, or elderly parents – those gaps in their employment are why they have smaller pensions. But now that we are all living longer (a woman born in 1970 like me can now expect to live till her late 80s, or beyond) and that we are expected to work until we are 68 (more likely to be 71 by the time we get there) before we can officially retire – economically, it has never been more important to keep older women employed.
In fact our queenager years (45-70) should be a time when we flourish at work and can stuff our pension pots; women over 50 are the fastest growing group in the work place according to the Women and Equalities commission. But we are starting from a historically low base – and we are facing huge barriers around gendered-ageism, both from algorithms which knock us out and prejudiced hiring policies. Too often we aren’t given a fair chance to show our worth. This matters because there is an estimated 2.5million shortfall in skilled workers forecast by 2030 – Queenagers are an obvious fix to that. But too often older women are the first to be made redundant and bottom of the recruiters list when it comes to talent.
Studies collated by our Queenager Careers partner 55/Redefined, indicate that employing individuals over 50 significantly reduces attrition, with this cohort five times more likely to remain with an employer beyond the first 18 months. Moreover, older workers contribute to a happier, more resilient workplace, enhancing the well-being of colleagues across all generations.
And a survey published in the Telegraph this week also found that older workers take far LESS time off sick than their Gen Z counterparts - which is definitely counter-intuitive.
We need to make everyone aware of these crucial facts around older workers -and at Noon we are also trying to help Queenagers get back into employment - if you are looking for a new gig check out our NOON Jobs Board. And next Wednesday May 1st we’re doing a free NOON Academy LinkedIn live event all about rebranding yourself after redundancy to make yourself super employable again. I will be hosting, alongside author Anniki Sommerville and award-winning journalist Jennifer Howze (our Noon Editorial Director). All three of us know what it is like to be whacked, and we have all successfully reinvented ourselves and found employment again in our 50s. We all did it in different ways – and are looking forward to sharing our tips with all of you.
And of course, we have lots of age-friendly jobs on the Noon Jobs Board, and here are also some special ones. Remember all these companies are actively seeking older workers… so your age will not be a barrier when you apply - in fact it's seen as your superpower. Why not find out more about these employers and the jobs - and benefits - they're offering?
Bank of Ireland
The Bank of Ireland has around 40 roles in Ireland and across the UK in their IT and BI, mortgage and risk departments. VIEW JOBS
Canal and River Trust
If you want to be out and about then the Canal and River Trust have a range of roles from a Team Leader in Leeds to a Mooring Ranger on the towpaths of Little Venice in East London. VIEW JOBS
Barclays
Barclays HQ in Northampton are looking for part time Fraud Investigators to help customers resolve suspicious activity on their accounts. This is a hybrid role with some working from home as well as the office and is perfect for people who like to get to the bottom of things. FIND OUT MORE HERE
Specsavers
Also if, like me, you don’t fancy going to work for anyone else, why not become an entrepreneur? That highstreet favourite Specsavers has a unique opportunity…
Specsavers have a partnership programme, and are looking for people with entrepreneurial mindset to run a hearing centre. You do not need to be an audiologist. You can be your own boss, and have the support of an established business to ensure your success. FIND OUT MORE HERE
Good luck - and remember we are here to help if you need us. Do tell me how your job search is going and join us at the NOON Academy next week.
Love
Eleanor
Ps - we had to create the Queenager on a jetski with AI. Not because Queenagers aren’t dynamic but because the media lens doesn’t depict us that way!