Research published today highlights trends that encourage employers to retain older staff who are facing growing demands to care for their family members.

The Joseph Rowntree Association report says many over 50s are caught in a "care sandwich" - looking after their children, grandchildren and their elderly parents whilst trying to continue their own career.

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern England, told ePolitix.com: "Age Concern research shows that grandparents provide informal childcare worth at least £26million* to the UK economy. While many older people enjoy caring for grandchildren, others may wish, or need to, continue formal employment; or may regard their later life as a time to pursue leisure interests or learning opportunities.

"We believe older people should have a choice as to how they spend later life and retirement, whether that be working, or caring for grandchildren. Such choice will never be fully realised while age discrimination denies many older people, including people between 50 and state retirement age, the right to work, education and full health and social services. Fully comprehensive legislation is needed to ensure the age barrier is broken in all walks of life."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Help the Aged spokesperson Hilary Carter told ePolitix.com: "This report shows a very harsh reality for thousands of older people caught between work and caring commitments.

"The nature of the population is changing and employers need to reflect the need for family friendly, flexible working policies for all employees, whatever their age."