Information on Loughborough

Loughborough University research reveals plight of older workers

Posted on 26/12/08

Loughborough University Website

Loughborough University research reveals plight of older workers

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 isfunded bythe 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, Professor Gibb 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.

Latest Loughborough News

Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 05:30:01 PM

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services19 March 2010Libraries become more dyslexia-friendlyLibraries across Leicestershire have signed up to a new set of guidelines designed to make them more dyslexia-friendly. Over the next few months, staff are being trained to ensure they understand the basic issues facing people with dyslexia....

Read More: Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly

Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 04:20:02 PM

police,constabulary,leicestershire police

Serving police officer dies following a collision in LeicestershirePC Phil TomaszewskiA serving police officer has died following a collision in the parish of Eaton, near Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire. The collision occurred at about 1....

Read More: Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire

Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:35 PM

Latest News

Bernardine Evaristo, acclaimed author of Blonde Roots and The Emperor s Babe, to speak at a free public event on Friday 26 March....

Read More: Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester

Donated furniture boosts good causes

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:34 PM

Latest News

Good causes have received a boost thanks to donations of office furniture from Charnwood Borough Council. Items such as desks, filing cabinets and chairs are being distributed to good causes through Giving World Online, a scheme run by Leicester based charity Konnect9. ...

Read More: Donated furniture boosts good causes

Action packed week boosts community

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:33 PM

Latest News

Around 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected, a buggy fit walk was held and health checks took place as part of a community action week in Mountsorrel. Organisations including Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Voluntary Action Charnwood worked with local residents to organise the busy week which aimed to improve the environment and boost residents fitness and wellbeing. ...

Read More: Action packed week boosts community

Related Loughborough News

Loughborough Research on Construction Industry

Created: Tuesday 22nd of January 2008 12:42:12 PM

old person and a theodolite on a construction site

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 University...

Read More: Loughborough Research on Construction Industry

Older workers - why businesses need to rethink their policies

Created: Wednesday 11th of March 2009 05:03:03 PM

News

Leicester researcher warns that with the prospect of an older workforce, businesses need to provide more training for older workers...

Read More: Older workers - why businesses need to rethink their policies

Loughborough University responds to the ageing workforce

Created: Monday 23rd of February 2009 12:43:58 PM

Loughborough University,Loughborough

Loughborough University responds to the ageing workforce Researchers at Loughborough University have been awarded 1. 3 million from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme....

Read More: Loughborough University responds to the ageing workforce

Barely legal - new study into whether alcohol affects perceptions of age

Created: Monday 20th of April 2009 12:04:19 PM

News

Research has important implications if alcohol is cited as an excusing factor in cases of unlawful sex with a minor...

Read More: Barely legal - new study into whether alcohol affects perceptions of age

Research highlights impact of migration on Irish workplace

Created: Friday 24th of July 2009 12:07:12 PM

News

An evaluation of the challenges facing Irish organisations in the management of their multicultural workforces in terms of training and development....

Read More: Research highlights impact of migration on Irish workplace

Most Read Loughborough News (today)

Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood

Created: Friday 18th of July 2008 11:00:00 AM

graffiti

A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough....

Read More: Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood

Robot in Loughborough Town Centre

Created: Tuesday 27th of May 2008 03:50:00 PM

robot

Reports are coming in that Loughborough Town Centre was yesterday infiltrated by a giant robot. The robot which some eye witnesses say they saw in Market Place and Market Street at various times yesterday afternoon stood some 8ft tall, was metallic in colour, had blue glowing eyes and spoke in sound bites....

Read More: Robot in Loughborough Town Centre

Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire

Created: Tuesday 22nd of July 2008 04:45:00 PM

social care

Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July)....

Read More: Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire

Slavery in Leicestershire

Created: Friday 28th of September 2007 07:22:47 AM

slave in manacles

The latest news from the Museum in Loughborough is that from 1st October 2007 they will be exhibiting an exhibition relating to the start of the abolition of the slave trade which celebrates its bicentenary this year. Using documents from Leicestershires archives information on local relations with the slave trade, and with individuals who struggled to eliminate slavery itself will be on display. ...

Read More: Slavery in Leicestershire

Drug Testing Prisoners in Loughborough

Created: Wednesday 26th of March 2008 11:06:00 AM

canabis

Drugs testing of prisoners is to be introduced at Loughborough Police Station in a move to get offenders across the North out of crime and into treatment....

Read More: Drug Testing Prisoners in Loughborough

Most Read Loughborough News (this month)

Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure

Created: Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:03:15 PM

News

Charnwood Borough Council has today learned that the Astra Zeneca has decided to close its facility in Loughborough by the end of 2011. The announcement is a huge blow and a major loss of employment in the Borough and in Loughborough in particular. ...

Read More: Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure

Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement

Created: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 11:03:57 AM

News

An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca. Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs. ...

Read More: Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement

Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 10:20:01 PM

cannabis, weed, drugs

Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdownThirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime. The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains....

Read More: Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Appeal following incident at Loughborough University

Created: Friday 26th of February 2010 08:10:01 PM

police,constabulary,leicestershire police

Appeal following incident at Loughborough UniversityPolice are appealing for witnesses following the report of a serious sexual assault in Loughborough. The incident is alleged to have happened sometime between 1....

Read More: Appeal following incident at Loughborough University

EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 04:02:23 PM

News

Charnwood Borough Council s Easter Activity Programme for 0 16 year olds kicks into action on Monday 29th March until 5th April. ...

Read More: EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES