Our population is ageing: 10 million people in the UK are over 65 years old. The latest projections are for 5½ million more older people in 20 years time. The number will have nearly doubled to around 19 million by 2050. Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 will double from about 11% to 22%.

We know that can get harder to get a job as you get older, and many people Unionlearn works with, who have been in the same job for a long time, need support to think through their options and stay in work.

That is why the mid-life career review project that many union learning reps have been involved in is so important.

My job, at Business in the Community, is to bring together business leaders and employers to respond to our ageing population – and a key part of that is supporting older workers.

The more examples I have of innovation in the workplace to support older workers, the more employers I can persuade to get on board and make change.

Do you have an example of a mid-life career review project, or another example of good practice for older workers?

You should make sure that that story is entered for the Championing an Ageing Workforce Award.

This is a great opportunity to tell your stories to let a wide audience know about your achievements, and inspire more employers to support and retain older workers.

If you want to get involved, please either:

• Let your employer know about the opportunity to enter this award, and ask them to get in touch with me – [email protected]
• Contact me directly – I may well already know someone from your company who I can encourage to fill in an entry, once you have given me your great example – [email protected]

Do get in touch – the deadline for entries is 13 February.