Over 3,000 workers in Devon and Cornwall to benefit from Mid-Life MOT
More than 3,000 workers in Devon and Cornwall are set to benefit from a new government-backed scheme helping over 50s approaching retirement.
Mid-Life MOTs were introduced in 2019 to encourage older workers to take stock of their work, wellbeing, and finances.
They act as a free review for workers in their 40s and 50s, enabling them to better prepare for their retirement by getting access to the best possible financial, health and career guidance.
The DWP is now expanding the offer, which is currently only delivered in Jobcentres to eligible benefit claimants, by collaborating with private suppliers including Capita who will run the programme in Devon and Cornwall.
The expansion means people between the ages of 45 and 55 in work and not claiming benefits will be able to make use of the same support and guidance, signposted to them direct by their employer.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said: “The Mid-Life MOT will give people in Devon and Cornwall between the ages of 45 and 55 a great opportunity to really understand the key life choices that underpin their future.”
The programme will include help on boosting confidence for later life planning, signposting to helpful tools and providing employees with information and guidance on their health, enabling them to take action tailored to their circumstances.
Antony King, Managing Director and Client Partner for Capita’s Health, Education and Welfare business added: “We are delighted to be delivering the government’s Mid-Life MOT pilot in Cornwall and Devon, which will equip employees with the tools to help their staff take stock of their finances, skills, and health, enabling them to better prepare for their retirement and build financial resilience.
“Capita has a strong track record of supporting people throughout their life events, and this partnership with the DWP is a very much a natural application of our expertise in healthcare, employment, and pensions.
“We look forward to working with employers across Cornwall and Devon to support their staff in assessing where they currently are and how they can get to where they want to be in terms of their career or retirement.”
The private sector Mid-Life pilot forms part of the wider Mid-Life MOT package. In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced that the department will be increasing the number of people who can access the support via their local Jobcentre, from 8,000 to 40,000 a year.
