This report is one of three from a study exploring how Australia’s jobactive employment services might better assist mature age jobseekers. 

In a changed labour market and with an ageing population, understanding the attitudes and needs of employers is vital to assisting unemployed older Australians to get and keep jobs. Analysis of 22 interviews with employers, employer groups, policy makers and peak bodies shows the reluctance of employers to use public employment services and their hesitations about taking on applicants who have been unemployed or do not fit their idea of the best fit for their needs. Such concerns need to be addressed, and local economic development fostered, if mature age unemployment is to be tackled effectively.