Campaigners urge ministers to set out plans to encourage people over 50 back into the workplace

When investment firm Canada Life took on and trained a group of over-50s at its Isle of Man investment headquarters recently, managers had three concerns: the new recruits turned up to work too early, they dressed in suits – and they peppered their bosses with questions.

Once persuaded to adopt a slightly more casual dress code, however, the older workers became valued employees.