Dr Ros Altmann, the government’s Older Workers Champion has suggested that recruitment agencies should be taken to the Equality and Human Rights Commission if they don’t act to prevent age discrimination in the sector.
In her report she said, “The recruitment industry, in which I have found extensive anecdotal evidence of discrimination against older applicants, needs to look at ways to drive better adherence to voluntary codes of practice. If this voluntary, industry-led approach does not work it may be that an EHRC investigation of the recruitment industry is ultimately required.”
Practical suggestions to try and improve things include recruitment agencies adding a statement to job advertisements highlighting that the role open to everyone regardless of age.
There is evidence that most people are planning to retire later in life and with an ageing population it will be vital that older individuals are accommodated in the workforce. Clearly this is a much broader issue which concerns all employers and society as a whole not just recruitment agencies but recruiters should certainly be considering their approach and ensuring they are acting to prevent discrimination in the sector.
Dr Altmann also suggests older people looking for work should become proficient in using social media and make sure their IT skills are as up to date as possible.
Another proposal is to encourage “mature” apprenticeship schemes which are open to older individuals and not just young people.
