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Original poster

Over 50 returning to work after long absence

32 replies

Jewel1968 · 21/01/2023 20:00

I have asked this before but trying again. DP is looking to return to work after long absence. He has been a SAHP.

I keep seeing stuff in press about gov really keen to get people like him back into work. I was wondering if there are any agencies that support people back into work after long absence. I have looked but can't see anything.

He applies for stuff but hears nothing and I suspect they see the long absence and move on to next candidate.

OP posts:
swanling · 21/01/2023 20:09

Is this in a particular industry/profession or generally trying to get into any kind of work? What's his background and experience pre-SAHP? What is he applying for? How long is the gap?

It might be useful to pin those down to work out what the issue is and what he can do about it.

The only schemes that come to my mind are industry-specific.

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 21/01/2023 20:18

He was in a specific industry - pretty niche and possibly outing. I am pretty sure his knowledge is too out of date for that industry so he is looking for anything really e.g. admin office type stuff.

I think when they see a man out of work for a number of years they assume the worse. I don't think they believe he was a SAHP. So, my thinking was there might be an agency that smooths that path back to work - reassuring the employer.

OP posts:
PurveyPigHamlet · 21/01/2023 20:23

Hi, I'm just wondering if approaching a temping agency might be a good idea to see if he could get a few temping admin jobs to ease his way back into the workforce?

Might this be an option?

caringcarer · 21/01/2023 20:25

Has he put sahp on his CV?

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 21/01/2023 20:38

Temping agency - didn't think of that. Any you would recommend?

I am pretty sure he has put SAHP on CV on advice from friend.

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 22/01/2023 07:42

Temping agency - didn't think of that. Any you would recommend?

Try Brook Street. They're national and have a contract with at least one government department.

ChampagneCommunist · 22/01/2023 07:44

Is he a DIY-er? Try B&Q or similar

Lottsbiffandsmudge · 22/01/2023 07:48

What did he do whilst a SAHP? I returned to work after 13 years at home with the kids. Not my original industry but into admin. I used my volunteering stuff and that really helped as it was recent and relevant.

PrivateMum222 · 22/01/2023 07:49

There's a brilliant website called restless.co.uk It's a community platform specifically for the over 50s and also has a jobs board so you know every employer on there supports the older generation. Definitely worth taking a look.

PritiPatelsMaker · 22/01/2023 07:54

I used my volunteering stuff and that really helped as it was recent and relevant.

I'd suggest some volunteering too. If he's not doing any yet, he needs to start.

hattie43 · 22/01/2023 08:01

Does Restless have a forum , had a quick look and can't see one .

Cocochai · 22/01/2023 08:37

Getting some volunteering experience while he’s job-hunting should help as it will get him some structure in his day, possibly new skills, meet people, and also provide a current reference. This is what I am doing after being a SAHP for a few years before I start applying for jobs.

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 22/01/2023 10:57

Thanks all. No, not done any volunteering. I can see the value in that.

Will look at other suggestions.

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 22/01/2023 11:17

Thanks all. No, not done any volunteering. I can see the value in that

Lots of employers won't set in staff who aren't working currently so he definitely needs to apply to the local Supermarkets/Temping Agencies/Hospital and or volunteer straightaway.

lljkk · 22/01/2023 11:18

If he says anything & means anything, then ask around for menial jobs. Dinner-gentleman at primary school, cleaner, labourer. Any of these roles will build his confidence. I had someone be my reference from my volunteering, too, when I had 8 year gap between jobs.

RiverSkater · 22/01/2023 11:29

He could get his IT skills up to date. Microsoft etc. Alison do free courses but the Reed ones are very cheap.

Volunteering.

What about networking with former colleagues?

PritiPatelsMaker · 22/01/2023 12:04

What about networking with former colleagues

That's good advice as well. Is he on LinkedIn?

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 22/01/2023 14:10

If I am honest I have suggested a lot of things people are suggesting but I think he doesn't want to hear it from me or thinks I don't know what I am talking about and I don't know what it's like to be out of the game for years and try to get back in. So I was thinking if he heard it from outside from an agency or somewhere he might listen.

He is on LinkedIn but not active. I am on LinkedIn with more connections than I thought was possible and lots of those connections could be useful to him potentially but again that is coming through me.

Don't know if that makes sense.

OP posts:
GordonShakespearedoesChristmas · 22/01/2023 14:13

He could be an Apprentice to learn new skills- many are advertised at a decent salary, and I knew an Apprentice of 62. Definitely worth a go.

tealgate · 22/01/2023 14:16

The government have a 'get ready for work' scheme, which might be a good site to look at

jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/

PritiPatelsMaker · 22/01/2023 18:06

Could you show him this thread @Jewel1968?

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 22/01/2023 18:21

@PritiPatelsMaker don't think so. Will think about it though. I have shared previous threads started by others on similar subject and not had much of a response/engagement. It's hard cos I think many employers don't quite believe he was or is a SAHP. He was once approached by an old colleague who had set up a company and was looking for his skillset but as soon as he shared his CV with the HR person he never heard back. He chased and nothing. It might be harder for men in this situation.

Jobhelp site looks interesting and will share.

Didn't think of apprenticeships....thanks.

OP posts:
Spaceman101 · 22/01/2023 18:59

He could look here. restless.co.uk/

Dappledapples · 22/01/2023 19:36

He should look for Returners schemes, without knowing the specific industry it's hard to give better guidance.
Temp agencies won't want to know, it's the gap in employment not his age that they will see as problematic.

Original poster
Jewel1968 · 22/01/2023 21:03

@Dappledapples I agree it's the gap in employment that is causing the problem. My thinking is you plug that gap with anything from volunteering to jobs that are more accepting of gaps.

The industry doesn't have returner schemes unfortunately.

OP posts: