Working together with DWP 50PLUS Champions

PRIME Cymru’s Mike Evans (left) with Nigel Jones

PRIME Cymru and the DWP 50PLUS Champions share the same mission – empowering people aged 50+ with the support they need to achieve their career goals.

To learn more about this partnership and the impact it’s having, we spoke with Nerys Rathbone-Jones, DWP 50PLUS Champion for North, Mid Wales & the Marches, and Nigel Jones, DWP 50PLUS Champion for South East Wales. They shared insights into their roles, their passion for supporting older workers, and why working alongside PRIME Cymru makes a real difference.

What does your role involve?

Nerys: As a DWP 50PLUS Champion my job is to make sure older workers aren’t forgotten and get the right advice and opportunities, ensuring my colleagues across the district have access to resources to help people aged 50 and over get the support they need to find work, stay in work, or plan for the future.

Nigel: I have the privilege of supporting and empowering individuals aged 50 and over on their journey back into employment. It’s a role I’m deeply passionate about – because I believe that age should never be a barrier to opportunity, confidence, or success.

Nigel Jones, DWP 50PLUS Champion

My role is to:

• Champion the needs of 50PLUS customers within the Jobcentre and with local partners.
• Promote specialist support, including mid-life MOTs, digital skills training, and confidence-building workshops.
• Connect customers with local employers who value the skills and life experience that older workers bring.
• Work closely with community organisations, like PRIME Cymru, to ensure a joined-up approach to support.

Why is it important to focus support on older jobseekers?

Nerys: Older jobseekers often face unique challenges such as age bias, outdated perceptions of their skills, health conditions, or caring responsibilities. Many have a wealth of experience and transferable skills that are undervalued. By focusing support on older workers, we can unlock their potential, boost confidence, and help employers see the value they bring.

Nigel: People over 50 bring a wealth of experience, resilience, and reliability to the workforce. Many face unique challenges – whether it’s age-related bias, a lack of confidence after time out of work, or needing to retrain in a rapidly changing job market.

Helping people aged 50 and over isn’t just a job – it’s a mission I care deeply about. I’ve seen first-hand how the right support can transform someone’s outlook, rebuild their confidence, and open doors they thought were closed.

Whether it’s someone returning to work after caring for a loved one, someone made redundant after decades in the same role, or someone simply looking for a fresh start – I’m here to help them believe in themselves again.

What is your message to over 50s jobseekers?

Nerys: You are not alone, and you are not invisible. Your experience, resilience, and adaptability are assets. Whether you’re returning to work, changing careers, or facing health or caring challenges, there is support available. Employers value older workers for their knowledge, reliability, and the unique perspectives they bring to the workplace. You have so much to offer, and your next opportunity could be just around the corner.

Nerys Rathbone-Jones, DWP 50PLUS Champion

Nigel: If you’re over 50 and looking for work – or if you support someone who is – please know that help is available, and you’re not alone. There’s a whole network of people and organisations ready to support you every step of the way.

I’ve seen how life experience, resilience, and dedication can be overlooked in the job market, and I’m here to help change that. Every person over 50 deserves to feel valued, supported, and confident about their future. That’s why I do what I do.

Your thoughts on collaborating with organisations like PRIME Cymru?

Nerys: Collaborating with organisations like PRIME Cymru is vital. They bring specialist knowledge, networks, and tailored support that complement our work in DWP. By working together, we can offer more holistic and impactful services to older workers. These partnerships help us innovate, share best practices, and ultimately improve outcomes for the people we serve. Our joint efforts, such as the upcoming International Pioneers Week, brings together organisations committed to supporting older workers, celebrating their contributions, and championing inclusive employment opportunities.

Nigel: I’m proud to collaborate with organisations like PRIME Cymru, who share the same commitment to supporting older workers. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and age-friendly workforce across Wales.