What factors enable mid-life carers to re-enter the labour market in New Zealand?

Objective: To assess the characteristics of carers and the caregiving situation associated with return to paid employment among older unemployed carers in New Zealand.
Methods: A baseline sample of 280 unemployed carers was identified from responses by people aged 55-70 to the 2012-2016 biennial waves of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement longitudinal survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess characteristics uniquely predicting employment status at two-year follow-up.
Results: Sixteen percent were employed at follow-up. Economic living standards, physical health and preference to be in paid employment were positively associated with being employed at follow-up. There were no statistical differences according to age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and care characteristics.
Conclusion: Individual preferences were the strongest predictor of return to paid employment. Despite New Zealand employment legislation allowing all employees to request flexible working arrangements, economic and health differences in workforce retention among carers persist.
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