Older IP Workers Face Job Search

Its a situation made worse by the poor economy. Old enough to work, but too old to get hired. It is a stark reality some International Paper workers are finding out. Robert Harrold has worked in Bastrops International Paper mill 46 years. He says nobody has been there longer. Harrold hoped to retire in a few years. Instead, hes beginning a job hunt. "In my case its probably going to be a disadvantage,” continued Harrold, “Im 64. Theres lots of concern, you know. Especially, the guys that are like in their 40s or 45, too early to retire. Cant draw social security." Harrold joins a growing number of older americans being handed pink slips. Among Americans aged 55 to 64 almost 42 percent have been fired or laid off. Thats why he and other former workers are getting job search assistance from the Louisiana Workforce Commission. While workers of all ages are look to the Business and Career Resources Solutions Center to help them get back into the job market. It seems to be the older worker who stands to have the most problems finding employment. Experts say older Americans have difficulties finding jobs in the online world. So the center is helping former employees set-up email addresses and find opportunities via the web. Harrold hopes this will improve his chances of getting a job. "I hadnt been looking so I really dont know. But I think theres something for me."