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Loughborough Research on Construction Industry
Posted on 22/01/08
P. Klein
Research by Loughborough University has found that more needs to be done to ensure older workers are not forced out of the construction industry.
The study, led by Professor Alistair Gibb from the Universitys Department of Civil and Building Engineering, was commissioned by SPARC (Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity). SPARC brings together researchers, practitioners and policy makers in ageing, and is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Professor Gibbs study found that older construction workers do want to remain in the industry, but many felt their fitness levels prevented them from continuing in such a physically demanding job. Those workers who are forced to leave the industry prematurely face personal financial issues, as well as costs which are incurred by the welfare system. The study also found that the attractions of employing young, cheap immigrant labour far outweigh any desire by the industry to take care of its older workers.
Speaking about the research, the Loughborough professor said: This study has shown us that older workers want to remain in the construction industry, but although their skills and experience are valued by employers, there is often a trade-off between that and their physical fitness. Unfortunately, in such a competitive industry where workers are generally paid based on what they do rather than hourly, many older workers leave as they cant keep up.
Researcher Jo Leaviss added: Where cheap labour is readily available, there seems to be very little incentive for firms to bear the costs of making the workplace less hostile for the older worker. In order to make a more favourable, safe environment for older workers in the construction industry, intervention is required both at the industry level, and locally by individual employers.
Professor Gibb believes there are measures that the construction industry can take to improve the working environment to accommodate the needs of older staff. Easing the physical burden of construction work wherever possible and developing interventions to encourage all workers to follow safe practice are just two examples of ways in which work-related injury and ill-health can be prevented, allowing older workers to remain in the industry for longer.
Professor Gibb will showcase his research later today (Tuesday 22 January) at a workshop organised by TAEN (The Age and Employment Network), Help the Aged and SPARC. The event will be attended by a wide-range of policy-makers, health specialists, employers and older peoples organisations.
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