The state-run benefit agency and job centre organisation UWV is to make 150 extra staff available to help the over-55s into work, according to its annual report.

With the overall number of vacancies decreasing, the over-55s are finding it increasingly difficult to find work, says the report.
In 2011, just under 2% of the 647,000 vacancies filled were taken by over-55s. That is 5% fewer than a year earlier.
Despite being encouraged to set up a policy for older workers, most companies still prefer to employ youngsters, says the UWV. In 2011, 37% of the available vacancies went to people younger than 25.