Sandwell’s Agewell Scoops International Award

TAEN - The Age and Employment Network, has announced that Agewell, which is supported by Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) is one of just four British winners in the US-based AARP(American Association of Retired Persons) International Innovative Employer Awards. 

TAEN has been working closely with AARP, the US-based non-profit organisation representing 40 million members aged 50 and over.

The new award is designed to promote best practices from employers around the world and has picked Agewell for the ground breaking work they do with their Midlife Future Planning Course.

Monica David, a Midlife Planning Co-ordinator for Agewell, said: “We are really honoured to have won this award. My co-worker, Stuart Munger, and I have been working with employers and employees across the borough.  This work has been very successful and rewarding as it has allowed employers to think about retaining and retraining their older workers. 

“We would like to thank Workwell and Agewell volunteers and Sandwell Primary Care Trust, especially their Workforce and Development Team for their support”.

Agewell joins the ranks of the other prestigious international winners who will be arriving in Chicago to receive their awards in October, including Centrica, Deutsche Bahn AG of Germany and BT.

Mike O'Brien, Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, UK, said: “Good employers are alive to the value of older workers, spotting a growing pool of talent that many other businesses still miss out on. For the employee the benefits are obvious. The traditional 'one size fits all' approach to retirement does not suit everyone so rather than a sudden stop, they can choose to step down gradually from work. More employers need to respond to this trend and in turn, their businesses will benefit from the experience, loyalty and skills older workers can bring."

For more information about the AARP International Innovative Employer Awards, please visit:  www.aarpinternational.org/2008employerawards

TAEN – The Age and Employment Network (supported by Help the Aged) is a leading national network of 200 member organisations committed to creating an effective job market which works for people in mid and later life, for employers and for the economy.  TAEN champions the contribution that age diversity in employment makes to business success and a healthy society. 

AARP The Magazine will feature the AARP International Innovative Employer Award winners in its November-December issue, in homes on 25 September 2008, along with an extensive feature story on re-careering and discovering new passions at age 50+. The complete article and list can also be found online at www.aarpthemagazine.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organisation that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

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