Nearly one third (31%) of the UK’s most highly educated think it a waste of resources to employ people over 50, according to a new and worrying survey. The finding covers those with qualification including degrees and doctorates. The proportion is almost double that of people in lower education categories, with a broadly similar disparity when it comes to the wisdom of re-training over 50s. It suggests widespread ageism – or at least its use as an excuse for recruiting younger, cheaper workers – in the upper levels of company hierarchy. The research comes from the Centre for Ageing better. It found that 35% of those in the same higher education bracket believe people become less competent with technology as they get older. Both these perceptions are more significantly more prevalent among men (26%) than women. Dr Carole Easton, the Centre’s chief executive, said: “It is so dispiriting that these attitudes persist when older workers have such potential to tackle skills shortages, help businesses to thrive and grow our national economy. It is also concerning that the prevalence of ageist attitudes is higher among people with the highest educational qualifications who are most likely to make decisions around hiring, promoting and developing workers who are in their 50s and 60s. Little wonder that older workers are less likely to receive in-work training, are more likely to be made redundant and experience greater difficulties finding work. It doesn’t have to be this way. By noticing and challenging ageism in the workplace, we can change employer attitudes to older workers and help everyone to fulfil their potential in later life.”
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