Australia: Survey Finds One in Three Older Workers Experience Discrimination

The Financial Services Council has released a report finding that 28% of older workers in Australia had experienced discrimination. The most frequently cite form of discrimination was being made redundant before others, with other forms including lack of training/development opportunities, verbal abuse and inflexibility towards health and physical needs. Discrimination was reported to be most acute among mid-managers earning the average Australian wage of $70,000 a year.

While attitudes among employers varied, the study found cost, particularly in the current economic
environment, and workplace culture were behind decisions to recruit younger staff. According to John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council:

“At current trends, by 2050 there will only be 2.7 working Australians for every citizen over 65. Without action, this will have serious implications for the quality of life of every Australian,” Mr Brogden said.

“We need to end the concept of full time work followed by full time retirement. Australians remaining in the workforce for longer periods will stretch retirement incomes by supplementing superannuation through part-time work as well as reduce our nation’s skills shortage.["]

Source: Financial Services Council Media Release (January 30, 2012)