Partnership will combat age discrimination in the workplace

Grey Matters, who help over 45s plan for ageing well, and AgeInc, the Age Inclusive Employer Endorsement program, recently announced a new partnership aimed at addressing supply and demand gaps in the workforce and tackling ageism in Australian workplaces.

‘As industries across the globe face significant workforce challenges, including an ageing population and talent shortages in key sectors, this partnership is poised to help address both the supply and demand pressures created by ageism.’ said Claire Canham, CEO of Grey Matters.

‘Ageism excludes workers aged 50+, even when they are qualified and capable, yet as our population ages, and fewer young workers are entering the workforce, this inherent ageism puts further strain on the balance between workforce supply and demand.’

AgeInc’s research reveals that 36 percent of Australians are aged over 50, yet 1 in 5 are being discriminated against by their current employer and 53 percent have been discriminated against when applying for a new job.

'Our ‘Voice of Experience’ research shows that not only are people aged over 50 being discriminated against when applying for new jobs, 21 percent are being discriminated against by their current employer,’ said Richard Spencer, founder of AgeInc, ‘And in most cases, this was experienced by people in their early 50’s.’