Recent increases in unemployment have largely affected workers aged over 50, according to a survey by online recruitment specialist Recruitment Genius.

The survey of 1,814 applicants shows that of candidates in the ‘over 50s’ category, 55.8% reported being made redundant, more than double that for the other age groups surveyed.

The survey showed that this group struggled to find re-employment, with over a quarter being unemployed for over 12 months.

Geoff Newman, chief executive of Recruitment Genius, says: “Traditionally those in the over-50s age bracket are able to take on part-time work and be more flexible with their working practices. On a positive note 117,000 part-time positions were created during the last financial quarter, which means there are opportunities out there; the challenge is matching the employer to the right candidate.”