Compared to the overall economy the NHS has an older workforce, with a quarter of the workforce aged 33-44 years.  Age profile of the health workforce in England:

• 7% in the workforce are aged 16-24 years
• 23% aged 25-34 years
• 30% aged 35-44 years
• 25% aged 45-54 years
• 15% aged 55 years and over

The percentage of those aged 45 or over varies considerably by staff group with some recording rates similar to the overall economy, such as medical and dental NHS staff, and others far higher rates, such as health care assistants and support staff as well as management and administrative staff.

Source: Skills for Health 2006 and Skills for Health 2003

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