A staggering 70.8 per cent of UK workers reveal discrimination around age is common in their workplace, rising to 85.3 per cent amongst those aged 55-64 new research has found.
The study asked workers to open up about the topic of discrimination in the workplace, particularly when it comes to age. It finds one third of professionals have been turned down for a job because of their age, rising to 52.5 per cent amongst those aged 55-64 and 65.1 per cent amongst under 18s. Other key findings include:More than half of under 18s feel they’re not taken seriously at work , because of their age, with a further 76 per cent of 25-34 year olds stating that they have been discriminated against at work because they were considered ‘too young’. Eighty-nine per cent of 45-54 year olds said they have been discriminated against at work for being ‘too old’. £377m more for small businesses
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, who commissioned the research, comments, ‘Diversity is a hot topic at the moment, and it is something that should be celebrated in the workplace. Sadly, there is clearly still a great amount of discrimination amongst those considered to be ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ to work in certain positions. As a nation, we need to address this issue head on, and consider ways in which we can remove these stigmas.’Of those that said they were considered to be ‘too young’ for a job, nearly half said they were told they didn’t have enough experience.
In addition to this, 35.8 per cent said the employer felt no-one would take them seriously. Conversely, for those considered to be ‘too old’, one in five were told that they would be too stuck in their own ways. Biggins continues, ‘It’s clear that discrimination around age is not only rife in workplaces, but also during the hiring process. But, while employers may think their pickiness will secure them the very best workers, they’re actually limiting themselves even further. Younger, and older, workers are a key part of driving our economy forward and companies should embrace a diverse range of employees in their business.’
