Age Concern has launched a new scheme to enhance IT opportunities for older people.

The Digital Inclusion Network aims to give more older people the chance to learn how to use information and communication technology.

Members of the Digital Inclusion Network will offer IT training to around 850,000 older people using jargon-free terms.

In a survey marking the launch, Age Concern found that seven out of ten older people who do not know how to use a computer agree that employers prefer workers with IT skills.

Just 20 per cent of employees aged 50-59 have received IT training recently, compared to one in three 25-49 year olds.

James Purnell MP, the Department for Work and Pensions minister with responsibility for E-Government said: "In a world that is becoming increasingly reliant upon information technology, it is vital that we ensure older people aren’t left out.

"It is crucial that we support Age Concern in their work to ensure older people benefit from the potential of information technology," he added.

Two thirds of existing jobs and nine out of ten new jobs ask for ICT skills, government figures show.