Age Action has warmly welcomed the publication today of the Equality Authority’s annual report which shows that age discrimination was the most common reason workers sought help from the authority last year.

“While it is regrettable that so many workers had to resort to the Equality Authority last year it is a positive sign that older workers are no longer willing to accept this form of discrimination which is widespread in Ireland,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.

Negative perceptions of older workers, based solely on their age, result in workers failing to be called for job interviews, not getting promotions, being made redundant or forced to retire early.

EU-funded research carried out last year by Age Action, in conjunction with PARTAS, found that 38% of firms considered the promotion prospects for those aged over-50 to be less than for those aged under-50.  These figures were higher in the public sector (41%) and the retail sector (40%).

“It is illegal under the Employment Equality Act to discriminate against somebody based on their age, and it is very encouraging that older workers are now using that legal protection,” Mr Timmins said. “However, we now need a sea change in attitudes among some employers.”

Age Action believes that workers with up to 40 years experience of an industry have much to contribute and should not be written off by employers.

Among the conclusions of a two-year research programme by Age Action into the needs of older workers were that:

• Compulsory retirement ages should be abolished;
• In-company age awareness training should become a routine part of good HR practice;
• Employers should examine part-time working and flexible work arrangements available, not just for older workers but for all staff;
• Older workers should benefit equally from access to training and courses should be more geared towards their professional and personal development.