A Wisbech businesswoman has welcomed an older worker champion taken on by the Government to boost over 50s staying in employment.

Mary Downey, 58, has welcomed the appointment by David Cameron of Ros Altmann, a pension expert, as Business Champion for Older Workers.

Mrs Downey, an Avon sales leader, said: “Older workers have life experience and work experience.

“They’re used to talking with a wide range of people and have a strong work ethic.

“It’s great that someone is promoting the over 50s in the work place. They have got a lot to offer.”

Pensions minister Steve Webb said: “Older workers have a huge amount to bring to any workforce and are a vast, untapped talent in the UK labour market.

He added that the rise of the State Pension age meant it was becoming increasingly important for older women to take control of their financial future.

Mrs Downey, of Tydd Gote, used to work for the NHS but had an industrial accident at work which left with sever whip-lash.

After being told she wasn’t fit enough to do her job properly and struggling to find other employment, she decided to go into direct selling as a means of continuing her career.

She said: “I love new challenges and opportunities and see no reason as to why age should get in the way.”