New research by the Department for Work and Pensions has discredited a number of preconceptions about older employees in the UK workforce.

The study, which coincides with the first anniversary of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, indicates the benefits employers can achieve through employing a mixed-age workforce.

Qualities younger respondents identified their older colleagues bring to a job include experience (94 per cent), reliability (66 per cent) and understanding (63 per cent).

It was also suggested that some 95 per cent of older employees enjoy working with younger counterparts.

Electric radio inventor Trevor Baylis commented: "Just because you're over 50 years old doesn't mean that you have to down tools. I've had some of the best experiences in my later years and think that young and old can learn a lot from each other."

The Employment Equality Regulations include a ban on age discrimination with regard to recruitment, promotion and training as well as unjustified retirement ages of below 65.