Ageism holds back younger workers
27 June 2000
- Close to half say they've been held back because of their age
- Over 60 per cent of all young workers think the Government should be doing more to combat ageism in the workplace
- More than a quarter complain that despite having the qualifications they are not considered for certain jobs because they are thought of as too young
Ageism significantly affects the prospects of younger people according to Releasing Potential, a joint report published today (Tuesday 27 June) by career consultancy Sanders & Sidney and the Employers Forum on Age (EFA). Almost half the young respondents in the survey say they have been held back because of their age.
More than one in four say that, despite being qualified, they are considered too young for certain jobs and a similar number complain that they would have to leave their current employers to gain promotion. Confidence in the Government's anti-ageism initiative* was also questioned with over 60 per cent of all 18-30 year olds saying that the Government should be doing more to combat ageism in the workplace.
Ruth Jarratt, spokesperson for the EFA, says: 'We welcomed the Government's voluntary code on ageism, launched over a year ago, which was intended to tackle ageism at both ends of the age spectrum. However these findings are a clear message that young workers are still being held back by ageist attitudes and believe the Government should be doing more to combat age prejudice in the workplace. The alternative is legislation which many employers will not welcome - but there may be little option if a voluntary code is seen to fail.'
However, most younger workers are happy with job security (almost 69 per cent are satisfied), training (67 per cent), pay (64 per cent) and the overwhelming majority (81 per cent) are happy with their workbased relationships.
* Age Diversity in Employment - a Code of Practice (see notes to editors)
There were also surprising differences of view between employees in large and small organisations, with workers in small organisations consistently reporting to be less satisfied with their career path, training and promotion.
- Fewer than half (47%) of respondents from small organisations are satisfied with their career path compared with 2 in 3 (67.8%) from large organisations
- Just under 60% of respondents from small organisations were happy with training compared with almost 75% from large organisations
- Promotion prospects were perceived to be higher in large organisations (66.4%) compared with those in small organisations (57%)
- Sally Davis, a director of Sanders & Sidney, comments: 'We have long campaigned on behalf of older workers who are too often marginalised because of their age. Clearly there is a job to be done for the young as well. And we must remember that age discrimination is counter-productive for business too. People at every level in organisations offer potential, which is being under-used.'
Other key survey findings:
- More than a quarter worry that if they haven't made it by their early 30s they never will
- Over half think that in areas like computers and new technology older workers could learn a lot from their younger colleagues
- Almost 40% say that most training in their workplace is for younger workers
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