An industry body has advised employers to look at the possibility of hiring older employees as they are more likely to remain with the company for longer.
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education also said that employers will often consider recruiting older applicants because they often have “a more stable employment record”.
However, Tom Schuller, director of the inquiry into the future for lifelong learning, suggested that there is little in the way of training programmes aimed at the older generation.
Explaining the benefits of recruiting a more mature employee, Mr Schuller said: “If you as an employer invest in an older person they are less likely to go off after a few months and join another employer because they’re usually more stable and have a longer term view.”
Mr Schuller condemned the situation in the UK as he believes employees in their mid-50’s no longer have “upskilling and training opportunities”.
The industry body concerned with advising employers to employ older applicants should realise that age discrimination applies to discrimination against all ages young and
old(er); besides which they should be extremely embarrassed that they feel it necessary to state something which has always been recognised as being the case.