UK businesses are failing to promote older workers

Older workers are not getting the same promotion opportunities as their younger counterparts, according to research released in advance of next week’s anti-ageism legislation.

Only a third of UK workers aged between 50 and 65 believe there are career opportunities for them at their current organisation, compared with more than half (53 per cent) of those aged 20 to 29, according to global employment experts Right Management.

And only 28 per cent of older workers think their organisation promotes employees that deserve it, compared with 41 per cent of 20-29 year olds.

The study, conducted among 2000 employees in the UK, also found that just 36% of older workers felt they were able to balance work and personal interests and still progress. This compares with 55 per cent of younger workers.

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, which come into force on 1st October, ban age discrimination in the workplace in terms of recruitment, promotion and training, making it unlawful to refuse promotions or deny training opportunities on the grounds of age. Firms who are found to be in breach of the legislation are open to potentially costly claims from employees.

“Employers cannot afford to have any doubt cast upon their promotion practices. From today, every British company will have to prove it has not been discriminating on the basis of age, and as there is no upper limit set for compensation, any organisation found not to be treating all employees equally could face serious financial penalties,” said Debbie Sandy, principal consultant, Attract and Assess, Right Management.

The research also revealed uncertainty over job stability. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of older workers think it is very possible they will be made redundant during the next 12 months. And only 13 per cent think it would be very easy to find a similar job at the same pay level, compared with 29 per cent of younger workers.

Despite this, 80 per cent of older workers are committed to doing what is required to make their organisation succeed, compared with 69 per cent of younger workers.

Sandy continues: “The working population is ageing; we’re working longer in life than ever before, and having fewer children. Employers need to open their eyes and see that embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do, but makes good business sense. Rather than viewing older workers as a hindrance, they should welcome this increased talent pool and take advantage of the wealth of skills and experience available.”

Published first on Onrec.com