Ukraine: Age Discrimination in Hiiring, Government Incentives for Hiring Older Workers Coming

According to published reports, a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Social Studies has found that more than a quarter of Ukrainians say that they have suffered age-based discrimination while trying to get a job. In addition, the Kharkiv Institute of Social Studies, analyzing 7,000 employment ads, found that 15% of all printed ads and 58 percent of online ads contain age requirements for job seekers.

Daryna Shevchenko's article in the Kyiv Post reports that "experts say that employers fear hiring older people because they are viewed as less creative, less diligent, less efficient and more demanding as far as benefits go."

ay that employers fear hiring older people because they are viewed as less creative, less diligent, less efficient and more demanding as far as benefits go.

A law going into effect in 2013 may not change the lax discrimination laws, but will provide an incentive to hire older workers:

The new law that will come into effect in 2013 bans employers from demanding any private information about job seekers. It also guarantees that the government will subsidize anyone aged over 45 with 15 or more years of working experience who need to learn a new skill to become more employable.

Iryna Akimova, deputy head of the president’s administration, said the government will issue a voucher worth Hr 11,000 for a person to receive new training. She also said that the government will exempt companies from paying the single social tax for a year if they hire older employees, those who are raising disabled children and young people entering the job market.

Source: Kyiv Post "Employers shun older applicants" (September 13, 2012)