• The Work Programme has failed more than 90 per cent of women over 50 put on the scheme
• Unemployment up 45 per cent for women over 50 since 2010
• Ministers are dragging their feet on the appointment of an ‘older workers’ champion’, 11 months after it was recommended

Official figures have revealed that older women are being failed the most by the Government’s Work Programme.

Despite being operational since June 2011, analysis by Labour has revealed that the failing scheme has helped fewer than 1 in 10 women aged over 50 referred to it into sustained employment – fewer than their male counterparts and any other age group.

Meanwhile, the number of women over 50 unemployed has risen by 45% since pre-election levels.

Labour have called for the Government to fast-track the appointment of an ‘older workers’ champion’ to ensure that firms are recruiting and retaining older women.

The post was recommended by the Government’s own Women’s Business Council almost a year ago, but has yet to be filled or even advertised by Ministers.

Sharon Hodgson MP, Labour’s Shadow Equalities Minister, said:

“These figures are yet more proof that David Cameron has no answer to the cost of living crisis affecting tens of thousands of older women and their families. His Work Programme is failing them, and thousands more find themselves unemployed under this Government.

“If we’re going to build a sustainable recovery we need to ensure that we don’t waste the talents of some of our most experienced and valuable workers.

“Ministers need to stop dragging their feet on the appointment of an Older Workers Champion, and they should implement Labour’s Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to ensure that older women who have been out of work for over 2 years have a chance of proper paid work.”