FREE help is on offer to companies to recruit and retain older workers.

Malvern Hills District and Wychavon District Councils are working with consultancy Cherington HR to deliver workshops to help businesses introduce age-friendly working practices.

The workshops are run by Helen Astill, who is well-known to many business leaders in the region as a member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Those attending will be given a free resource pack, and access to a comprehensive online resource hub, to help them develop an action plan and start making positive changes in their workplace.

They will also be offered free one-to-one follow-up meetings, either in person or by video conference, depending on their commitments, to provide additional support in implementing age-friendly policies.

The workshops are being held on:

• Monday, March 21, 2pm-5pm, in The Council Chamber, Avenue Road, Malvern

• Tuesday, March 22, 2pm-5pm, in The Council Chamber, The Civic Centre, Pershore

There are 40 places available and companies can book a free place by contacting Mrs Astill directly on 0330 175 6204 or helen.astill@hrsolutions-uk.com.

The workshops form part of the Wychavon and Malvern Hills Upskilling Project, which has been given £283,000 from the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund.

Cllr Daniel Walton, Executive board member for economic development and tourism on Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Everyone has a role to play in the workforce and we’re pleased to see the number of employers looking to review their practices and policies to ensure they’re giving employees of all ages a fair chance."

Helen Astill, workshop organiser and director of Cherington HR Ltd, said: "Older workers have so much to offer that recruiting and retaining them has never been more important.

"I want to help local businesses adopt their own age-friendly working practices through a package of support, starting with these free workshops."

Find more information about the Upskilling Project, and the support on offer, at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/skills or www.wychavon.gov.uk/business.