The role of local initiatives in tackling the exclusion of older workers from the labour market in Britain

The exclusion of older workers from the labour market is a widespread phenomenon in Britain, but that the problem has proved to be worse in traditionally depressed regions, where fewer job opportunities are available. A number of local initiatives have been developed to help older workers re-enter the labour market, but initiatives and good practice are often isolated from each other. In this article, authors Collis, Mallier and Smith-Canham examine examples of good practice and the barriers which have constrained their continuation; in addition, some initiatives which are not good exemplars are discussed. © 1999.