According to new research from UK jobs website,
totaljobs.com, 83% of jobseekers over the age of 60 believe that they have been
rejected for a job because of their age.
The survey also found that 73% of those aged 51-60 feel that they too have been discounted from a role due to their age.
In addition, it shows that 57% of over 60 year olds have been unemployed for more than six months, which is nearly twice the number of 25-34 year olds out of work (30%) for this length of time. Of this group, 20% of out of work senior professionals have been unemployed for at least two years.
The survey of more than 1,400 UK people over 50 also revealed that 46% of senior jobseekers (those aged over 51) have applied for more than 50 jobs in the last six months, with two-thirds only receiving five or fewer responses from employers. That is despite around 90% of the older jobseekers having the relevant skills to do the job.
Commenting on the findings, Totaljobs Director, John Salt, said:
“It’s alarming that so many senior jobseekers feel that they are at a disadvantage because of their age. In the UK it’s against the law to discriminate against people based on their age. Despite this, many employers don’t realise that age discrimination is illegal, just as it is for gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or race.”
He added:
“Older jobseeker can bring years of experience to the workplace, benefiting UK employers. Many employers have witnessed firsthand just how beneficial it can be to have employees from all different levels of experience.”
Workplace Law
The survey also found that 73% of those aged 51-60 feel that they too have been discounted from a role due to their age.
In addition, it shows that 57% of over 60 year olds have been unemployed for more than six months, which is nearly twice the number of 25-34 year olds out of work (30%) for this length of time. Of this group, 20% of out of work senior professionals have been unemployed for at least two years.
The survey of more than 1,400 UK people over 50 also revealed that 46% of senior jobseekers (those aged over 51) have applied for more than 50 jobs in the last six months, with two-thirds only receiving five or fewer responses from employers. That is despite around 90% of the older jobseekers having the relevant skills to do the job.
Commenting on the findings, Totaljobs Director, John Salt, said:
“It’s alarming that so many senior jobseekers feel that they are at a disadvantage because of their age. In the UK it’s against the law to discriminate against people based on their age. Despite this, many employers don’t realise that age discrimination is illegal, just as it is for gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or race.”
He added:
“Older jobseeker can bring years of experience to the workplace, benefiting UK employers. Many employers have witnessed firsthand just how beneficial it can be to have employees from all different levels of experience.”
Workplace Law
