MEDIA RELEASE
3 May 2016	Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	59/2016

Data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal the most common barriers preventing persons aged 55 years and over from working or working extra hours.

A survey conducted in 2014-15 found an estimated 388,700 persons aged 55 years and over were not looking for immediate work or more hours, but were available to start work or work additional hours within four weeks,

"About 34 per cent of the 388,700 stated they were not seeking employment because they were satisfied with their current arrangements," said Jennifer Humphrys from the ABS.

"However, 17 per cent felt they were considered too old by employers. This was down from 21 per cent in the 2012-13 survey and the 30 per cent recorded in 2004-05."

Permanent retirement was the most common reason given for not wanting a paid job for both women (44 per cent) and men (41 per cent), 16 percent of women and 21 per cent of men also mentioned long term sickness and disability as the main reason.

"A further eight per cent cited lack of suitable conditions or arrangements in jobs as the main reason for not participating further in the work force," said Ms Humphrys.

The findings are contained in Barriers and Incentives to Labour Force Participation, Australia. This publication provides information on characteristics of people aged 18 years and over who are not participating, or not participating fully, in the labour force and the factors that influence them to join or leave the labour force.

Further information is available in Barriers and Incentives to Labour Force Participation, Australia (cat. no 6239.0).

Media Note:

• When reporting on ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
• Media requests and interviews - contact the ABS Communications Section on 1300 175 070 (8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri).
• Subscribe to our media release notification service to notify you of ABS media releases or publications upon their release.