Forties People

58% said: “Yes, age is obviously a factor when considering candidates.”

22% said: “A bit, it seems my company prefers candidates in a certain age bracket.”

20% said: “No, people of all ages are considered for positions.”

Monster.ie asked visitors to the Irish website: “Do you feel that ageism exists in the workplace?”

37% said: “Yes, age is obviously a factor when considering candidates.”

40% said: “A bit, it seems my company prefers candidates in a certain age bracket.”

23 % said: “No, people of all ages are considered for positions.”

Alan Townsend, Managing Director Monster.ie commented:

“Over the next decade, as baby-boomers exit the employment market, we are heading towards one of the worst labour shortages in our lifetime. Attitudes towards age need to change before this demographic shift leaves businesses short of the right skills. It’s in the interests of employers to recognise there is a business case for retaining or hiring older employees. More mature workers bring wider skills, a wealth of experience and often a sense of reliability that can have a positive impact on companies.”

Countries such as Denmark appear to have more enlightened attitudes towards older workers with 38% of voters convinced that ageism does not come into play at interview-stage. Next is Finland with 34%, followed by Norway with 26%, making the Nordics the most progressive geography for hiring more mature staff. However, Sweden is the exception to this rule where as many as 64% believe ageism is a factor for companies when considering candidates.

The EU Employment Directive on Equal Treatment has issued a 2006 deadline for member states to implement age discrimination legislation. In Ireland the Employment Equality Act of 1998 and the Equal Status Act of 2000 includes older people under anti discrimination legislation.