Age discrimination is against the law yet many older workers have trouble finding jobs.
According to a survey by the website aboutseniors.com.au 85% of respondents didn’t believe they could find work once they reached early retirement age.
Australia is on the cusp of a major employment crisis’ (McKinnon, NETT magazine, 2008) now more than ever employers need to refocus themselves and look towards the older generation as a candidate source instead of only hiring the young.
Here are a few reasons why hiring people aged 45 and over isn’t such a bad thing –
• They know the importance of customer service more than any other age group
• They’re loyal and likely to stay for the long term
• They’re just as productive as younger workers
• They’re less likely to be involved in workplace accidents
• They are one of the fastest growing age groups to pick up computer skills
(McKinnon, NETT magazine, 2008)