Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is an age-friendly employer
Monday 24 November 2025
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has signed the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, reaffirming its commitment to creating a workplace where people of all ages are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
The Age-Friendly Pledge is a nationwide programme launched by the Centre for Ageing Better to improve the recruitment, retention and development of older workers.
By signing, the Council is demonstrating its support to tackling ageism in the workplace and committing to taking at least one action a year to improve the way it recruits, manages and supports older workers.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are incredibly proud to sign the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge and to publicly demonstrate our commitment to supporting staff of all ages.
“Our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. Many of our employees have served the community for decades, bringing with them invaluable experience, knowledge and dedication. At the same time, we continue to welcome new generations of talent who bring energy, creativity and fresh perspectives.
“This pledge is about recognising that diversity of age is an asset - and ensuring every member of our team feels valued, respected, and able to contribute fully to the work we do for our residents.”
Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Valerie Watts, added: “Signing the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge reflects our ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing and inclusion.
“We recognise that as people move through different stages of their lives and careers, their needs, priorities and circumstances may change.
“Our goal is to create a supportive and flexible working environment where everyone - regardless of age - can continue to learn, develop and succeed. This forms a key part of our Corporate Plan and aligns with our vision of being a great place to work, live and thrive.”
More people are now working later in life, but older people can still be overlooked during recruitment processes – despite multigenerational workforces showing that they drive productivity and innovation.
Dr Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The pledge has been designed to support businesses to go on a journey at a pace that works for them.
“By taking manageable and measurable steps, employers will learn over time what steps they need to take to make the biggest difference in their own organisation.”
Jenny Marshall, Executive Director for Community Programmes at Agewell and Vice Chair of MEA Age Friendly Alliance, also welcomed the announcement, adding: “We are delighted to hear that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has signed the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge.
“Agewell was an early supporter of the pledge within the Borough, and we remain committed to championing the importance of age-friendly employment, as a meaningful commitment to valuing the skills, experience, and resilience that older people bring to our workplaces and communities.
“Through Agewell’s longstanding experience working with older residents, we have seen how meaningful opportunities, flexible roles, and inclusive practices can transform lives.
“The signing of the pledge by Council sends a clear and positive message: our Borough recognises the contribution of older adults and is dedicated to building a community where people of all ages can thrive, participate, and feel valued.”