"Top employers" list is branded as ageist

Researchers from Lancaster University Management School have criticised the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For list for ignoring age diversity as a positive workplace attribute.

An analysis of the 2005 list revealed that 56% of employees working for the “best companies” were under 35, with just 6% over 55. Under-35s comprise 36% of the general working population, with over-55s accounting for 15%.

Sharon Bolton, who led the research, said the list’s ageist bias was the result of its focus on “fun” benefits for staff. Adding that it does not look at issues of gender, race and disability either, she pointed out that diversity suffers when employers seek to find employees who fit into their “work hard, play hard” culture.

Bolton advised the government – which has described the firms on the list as setting a benchmark for others to emulate – to note that these companies are missing out on some of the UK’s best workers.