Editorial: Seniors have much to offer

Liz and Ross Grant feel like they are being discriminated against by potential employers because of their ages.

At least one valuable resource is being overlooked when it comes to solving the Bay's skills shortage - older workers.

They're keen to work, have proven track records and a lifetime of skills under the belt, yet employers continue to overlook older job seekers.

Liz and Ross Grant, of Tauranga and both in their 60s, spoke out this week after applying for 150 jobs between them and still finding themselves out of work.

They fear their ages could be the main reason they are being overlooked. Their view is supported by a survey from the Auckland University of Technology and Equal Opportunities Trust.

It found there was a "tipping point", typically at around 50 to 60 years of age, at which workers were seen as less attractive.

The irony in this is that the survey also showed 45 per cent of organisations were facing a skills shortage and that this could be combated by people working past retirement age.

Earlier this year the Bay of Plenty Times reported a serious skills shortage in almost 60 trades and professions had left business leaders divided over whether migrants were the solution.

An Immigration New Zealand skills shortage list showed 58 occupations facing an immediate shortage of skilled staff in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region.

Surely there are suitably qualified people in their 50s and 60s who can fill a lot of these vacancies if given a chance.

An ageing workforce is here to stay, because Kiwis are having fewer children and living longer and bosses need to plan for it.

A good first step is to look at someone's skillset and attitude rather than his or her age.

The Government is to introduce changes to immigration policy in November, giving migrants extra points on their application if they take a job in the regions rather than in Auckland. It should also be doing more to encourage employers to take on older workers already living in the regions.