DWP minister Diana Johnson has outlined employment support for workers over 50, including 50PLUS Champions and Midlife MOT services to help increase earnings
Katy Hallam and Nicholas Dawson
11:09, 24 Feb 2026
DWP minister Diana Johnson gave an update from the Government(Image: UK Parliament)
The Department for Work and Pensions has released a statement regarding significant changes that will impact individuals within a particular age bracket. DWP minister Diana Johnson discussed upcoming modifications that could influence people’s earnings.
The announcement followed a written parliamentary question from Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, who enquired about measures being implemented “to help improve employment opportunities for older people”.
Ms Johnson delivered the Government’s response, stating: “Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society whilst building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy.
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“We are committed to supporting workers over the age of 50 through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes age-inclusive employment practices, flexible working, and progression and career development.”
She proceeded to outline the assistance available for this demographic, which encompasses anyone born before 1976.
Ms Johnson explained: “We have a dedicated offer for older workers within jobcentres, including our 50PLUS Champions who provide a critical layer of support to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. We also offer a Midlife MOT, which helps people to review their health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support.”, reports the Mirror.
The Midlife MOT is a Government service available to people aged 45 to 65. It provides resources to help you consider your career, health and finances.
On the financial side, the service can assist you in budgeting for your retirement and exploring what benefits you may be eligible to claim, such as Universal Credit or the state pension.
Boosting income
Ms Johnson spoke about the other support on offer: “Our Employer and Partnership Teams in jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.”
Looking ahead, the minister also spoke about what further help is being rolled out for older workers.
She said: “As part of our plans to Get Britain Working and create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of our customers. We are considering the support we offer to those aged 50 and over so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.”
You may want to check what benefits you can claim using an online benefits calculator. You could try using the one on the Turn2us website.
When planning for your later years, you may want to factor in how much you will receive with the state pension. Currently, individuals can access their private pensions from the age of 55, though this threshold will rise to 57 from April 2028.
Meanwhile, the state pension becomes available at 66.
This eligibility age is set to increase gradually from April 2026, reaching 67 by April 2028. The full new state pension presently provides £230.25 per week, with recipients typically requiring 35 years of National Insurance contributions to qualify for the complete amount.
Annual increases take effect each April under the triple lock mechanism, which will raise payments by 4.8 per cent this April. Those wishing to check their projected state pension entitlement can use the state pension forecast tool available on the Government website.
