Age bias is still prevalent, study finds


Almost nine in 10 employers do not check whether their managers hire workers older than themselves, according to a recent survey. 


The research, carried out by consultants Mercer in collaboration with the TUC, recruitment consultants De Poel, and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, found that of the 13% of respondents that did check age, over half of their managers do not hire people older than themselves. 


It also revealed in accompanying research from the recruitment industry that 92% of respondents had never run an analysis to determine whether a client is discriminating on the basis of age.


More than eight out of 10 companies who took part in the research admitted that they needed to improve their HR procedures if they were to retain older workers in the future. In the majority of cases, if age was mentioned in diversity and inclusion policies, it was only done in reference to retirement. 


Flexible working was shown to be the most prevalent age-friendly working practice — offered by 81% of respondents — whereas retirement programmes were offered by just over half.


The report found that many employees, especially those in the age group 45 to 54 years, are concerned about being able to continue to work as they get older. 


The TUC contributed data by surveying 1,376 of its members on how they view workplace practices for older workers. 


https://info.mercer.com/rs/521-DEV-513/images/Age-Friendly%20Employer%20Research%20Mercer%20.pdf