Some companies have recruitment drives, attempting to attract more experienced staff.

In a recent recruitment drive, it made a specific attempt to attract more experienced staff.

Andy Evans, 44, is one such recruit, a business development consultant for Pink Elephant UK.

He says firms shouldn't just focus on recruiting from one age group.

"Twenty year olds have a lot to offer in terms of dynamism, ideas and innovation. But having a broad understanding of how this business works is the difference between someone with years in the industry."

Across the economy as a whole, older workers are becoming increasingly common.

Government figures show that over 300,000 jobs were created in the last year. And more than half were filled by those aged over 50.

But even in a strong labour market, ageism is still rife - especially in IT.

A recent survey found that two-thirds of IT staff feared that they wouldn't be able to get a new job after the age of 45.

According to the experts, unemployment should remain low - and good workers hard to find.

In 15 years time, almost half the workforce will be over the age of 50.

To win the battle for talent - and profits, employers can not afford to ignore this vastly experienced group.