Penny Lancaster has launched a stinging attack on the Labour government, accusing ministers of neglecting older individuals attempting to re-enter the workforce.
The model and television personality, who is married to rock legend Rod Stewart, delivered her criticism on Friday.
The 55-year-old offered a damning assessment of the current situation, declaring it "pretty sad" that the government cannot adequately support this demographic.
Her comments came during an appearance on Tom Swarbrick's LBC radio programme earlier today.
Penny Lancaster expressed her frustration at the treatment of mature job seekers
| ITVMs Lancaster expressed her frustration at the treatment of mature job seekers, arguing that those in this age bracket are not being properly "looked after" by those in power.
She outlined the various circumstances that have left many older workers struggling to find employment.
She pointed to redundancies, the lasting impact of the pandemic lockdowns, and the demands of caring for ageing parents as key factors preventing people from returning to their careers.
"You know whether they've left work or been made redundant, some due to going through lockdown, others, maybe having to take time off looking after elderly parents and not being able to get back in the workplace," she explained during the broadcast.
Penny Lancaster expressed deep disappointment at the failure to provide adequate assistance to this group
| GETTYThe mother of two highlighted how these situations have created significant barriers for those attempting to rejoin the labour market, with many finding themselves unable to secure positions despite their willingness to work.
The Loose Women panelist spoke passionately about the psychological toll these circumstances take on individuals seeking to rebuild their professional lives.
She noted that for many in this position, their self-assurance has been completely undermined by their experiences.
"And of course, their confidence is shattered," she told listeners, emphasising the emotional damage caused by prolonged absence from employment.
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Penny Lancaster labelled the situation 'pretty sad'
|ITV
The television presenter expressed deep disappointment at the failure to provide adequate assistance to this group, describing the situation as genuinely disheartening.
She stressed that these individuals represent people at the peak of their working lives, possessing decades of accumulated knowledge and skills.
Ms Lancaster made clear her view that both men and women in this demographic deserve better treatment from the current administration than they are presently receiving.
She also argued that the government is overlooking a wealth of talent and expertise by failing to support this cohort of workers.
Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart got married in 2007 | GETTYMs Lancaster emphasised that these individuals bring not only extensive professional experience but also invaluable life knowledge accumulated over decades.
"It's pretty sad that we can't take care of those particular age groups, men and women in the prime of their careers, with all the life's experiences, as well as experience within the workplace," she stated.
Elsewhere, Ms Lancaster recently opened up about her concerns regarding husband Mr Stewart's health.
The 81-year-old rock star is now in remission after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 and prostate cancer in 2017.
Speaking on Loose Women last month, she shared: "Once you have cancer as a diagnosis, it's like a little black shadow that hangs over you."