Australia: Employment Discrimination against Older Workers on the Decline

The Financial Services Council has issued a report showing that discrimination towards older workers is on the decrease in Australia. According to "How Older Workers are Valued: Results of the National Survey on Attitudes to Older Workers," Australian employers are viewing older workers as a more reliable source of skills and experience despite pressures from the broader economy. In particular, the report finds that only 18% employees between 50 and 75 said they were discriminated against on the grounds of age, down from 28% a couple years ago.

Among other key findings in the report:

• 66% of older workers want to keep working regardless of their financial situation;
• 39% of older workers want more flexibility in hours and remuneration;
• 67% of older workers have been offered training or upskilling by their employers;
• 41% of older workers believe they should be paid more than younger employees based on their skills and knowledge, 43% said they should be paid about the same.

Source: Financial Services Council Media Release (April 28, 2014)