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Over-50s afraid of discrimination in recession
26/05/2009
Employers in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK have been called upon not to discriminate against employees on the grounds of their age following news that over-50s are afraid they may be forced out of their jobs.
Research conducted by Age Concern shows that more than one in four (28 per cent) of people above the age of 50 fears they will be first in line for redundancy should their employers decide to cut jobs due to the economic downturn.
According to the organisation, this prospect has become a reality for many because unemployment among people aged 50 and above has risen by 47 per cent, recent government statistics showed.
"These figures paint an extremely bleak picture for millions of over-50s whose working lives are at risk of being cut short by the recession," said Michelle Mitchell, the charity director for Age Concern and Help the Aged.
"We are urging employers to start seeing beyond job applicants' age and look at the skills, experience and commitment older workers have to offer."
Philip Broom, one of the partners at Wilson Nesbitt solicitors, commented that "it is essential that employers adopt a fair procedure when selecting employees for redundancy".
He added: "If employers use age as a selection criterion it will be unfair.
"Legal advice is a prudent step for all employers before commencing staff restructuring. Similarly any employee who believes his employer has not followed a fair procedure may have a claim for unfair dismissal and should seek legal advice."
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Research conducted by Age Concern shows that more than one in four (28 per cent) of people above the age of 50 fears they will be first in line for redundancy should their employers decide to cut jobs due to the economic downturn.
According to the organisation, this prospect has become a reality for many because unemployment among people aged 50 and above has risen by 47 per cent, recent government statistics showed.
"These figures paint an extremely bleak picture for millions of over-50s whose working lives are at risk of being cut short by the recession," said Michelle Mitchell, the charity director for Age Concern and Help the Aged.
"We are urging employers to start seeing beyond job applicants' age and look at the skills, experience and commitment older workers have to offer."
Philip Broom, one of the partners at Wilson Nesbitt solicitors, commented that "it is essential that employers adopt a fair procedure when selecting employees for redundancy".
He added: "If employers use age as a selection criterion it will be unfair.
"Legal advice is a prudent step for all employers before commencing staff restructuring. Similarly any employee who believes his employer has not followed a fair procedure may have a claim for unfair dismissal and should seek legal advice."
Contact us for legal advice
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