More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo

A community activist group on Saturday urged the government to offer more support for elderly job seekers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to rejoin the workforce. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Sze Lai-shan, deputy director of the Society for Community Organisation pointed out that it has become more difficult for those aged 65 or above to look for a job after the Covid pandemic. She said some of the reasons are because jobs have becoming increasingly digitalised, and that employers are worried about insurance costs. "Because some of the employers, they cannot file insurance because it's more expensive, or even they don't provide this kind of item for elderly people. And the other is about MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund), [it does] not include elderly [aged] above 65, that will be a problem. And besides, we find that there are less jobs after Covid," Sze said. Even though some elderly people are eager to find work to improve their living situation, Sze revealed that many positions required them to work for at least 12 hours a day. Sze, who's also a social worker, suggested employers to find ways to shorten the shifts, adding that the government should also do more to help elderly job seekers. "For example, to negotiate with insurance companies, how to provide this kind of service for the elderly. And also their MPF policies, whether it can also extend to a higher age." Meanwhile, Sze revealed that the uptick in employment after the Covid pandemic has ended, with some workers in the construction, catering, and retail sectors saying they are facing a pay cut of up to 40 percent.

More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo

More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo

More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo

More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo

More difficult for elderly to find jobs: SoCo