The federal government released a plan to encourage mature age workers last year, one that has been given a boost by the Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis.

Unemployment among those over 50 is only 1.8%, however it is on a participation rate of 69.2 percent, well below the national average of 73.8%.

Employers have access to a jobs bonus of $1000, up to $20,000 worth of services to help improve workforce planning and up to $4400 for skills assessment and training.

Ms Ellis believes a shift in attitude is also required by those concerned that older Australians won’t be able to offer the same skills and loyalty to an employer.

“People who have skills, who have experience, who have maturity, should not be shut out of our workplaces,” she said.

“What this is about is encouraging employers to change their attitudes. If that means putting money on the table then the federal government is prepared to do it.”