Public procurement in the UK is undergoing a major transformation. With the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) coming into effect on 24 February 2025, businesses supplying goods and services to the public sector must align with the government’s strategic priorities. A core focus is on diversity, inclusion, and social value, especially regarding employment barriers for underrepresented groups, including older workers.
For businesses aiming to win public sector contracts, becoming an age-inclusive employer is not just a moral imperative; it’s now a commercial advantage. Here, ProAge can help.
Why Age Inclusion Matters for Public Procurement
The NPPS encourages businesses seeking government contracts to recruit from groups struggling to access employment. It emphasizes providing high-quality jobs and supporting good physical and mental health. This perfectly aligns with ProAge’s mission:
The Growing Workforce of Older Workers
✅ Older workers represent a significant and growing workforce. Over 33% of the UK workforce is now aged 50+, and this figure continues to rise. Many businesses, however, fail to recognize the potential of this demographic.
Unlocking a Lost Talent Pool
✅ A lost talent pool is waiting to be unlocked. Currently, 750,000 people aged 50-64 are actively seeking work. Many wish to return but encounter barriers like age discrimination, inflexible working patterns, and outdated hiring practices.
The Business Benefits of Hiring Older Workers
✅ Businesses experience a boost when hiring older workers. Companies with a 10% higher share of workers over 50 see a 1.1% productivity increase. Age-diverse teams offer experience, stability, and problem-solving skills, enhancing overall business performance.
Economic Growth Through Inclusion
✅ Closing the age employment gap boosts the economy. According to the Centre for Ageing Better, bridging the employment divide between younger and older workers could add £9 billion to the UK economy.
A Missed Opportunity
✅ Yet many businesses are missing out. Shockingly, 82% of organizations have not considered age as part of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy, despite recognizing its economic and social significance.
How ProAge Helps Businesses Become Age-Inclusive
ProAge is a UK charity dedicated to advancing workplace age inclusion. We collaborate with businesses to provide support in several areas:
Attracting and Retaining Older Workers
Attract and retain older workers – We offer guidance on flexible working, recruitment best practices, and reducing age bias.
Creating Multigenerational Teams
Create multigenerational teams – Training on age-inclusive management fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across different age groups.
Strengthening the Business Case
Articulate the business case for age inclusion – Our data-backed insights empower companies to make a robust commercial argument for hiring and retaining older employees.
Conducting Age Inclusion Audits
Conduct Age Inclusion Audits – We help businesses evaluate their current status and provide actionable steps for improvement.
These strategies align closely with the NPPS, assisting businesses in demonstrating their commitment to social value and employment inclusion—a crucial advantage in securing government contracts.
Winning Government Contracts with Age Inclusion
Public sector buyers increasingly seek suppliers that deliver social value, alongside commercial services. Businesses that can demonstrate they are addressing economic inactivity, workplace inequality, and employment barriers will enhance their chances of winning tenders.
Demonstrating Social Value
By partnering with ProAge, your business can:
Demonstrate social value – Show government buyers that you proactively address economic inactivity among older workers.
Improve recruitment and retention – Tap into an overlooked talent pool to reduce skill shortages.
Enhance workforce productivity – Benefit from the experience and stability older workers bring.
Stand out in procurement bids – Use age-inclusive policies to meet NPPS requirements and strengthen tender applications.
Share Your Story: Has Age Inclusion Helped Your Business?
We understand that embracing age inclusion gives businesses a competitive edge—but we want to learn directly from you.
📢 Has being an age-inclusive employer helped your business attract contracts, strengthen client relationships, or improve workforce performance? Share your experiences with us! Your success stories will help promote workplace age inclusion.
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