Age

Managers need to learn how to tackle age discrimination at work and how best to retain their valuable employees.

The steadily ageing UK workforce is creating a shortage of skilled workers

Hanging population demographics as well as new legislation have made age an important workplace issue.  As of 2006, 45- to 59-year-olds are the largest group in the workforce and there are more 55- to 64-year-olds than 16- to 24-year-olds.  The steadily ageing UK workforce is creating a shortage of skilled workers. 

With 68% of employers experiencing recruitment difficulties, businesses are headhunting their competitors’ top people, impacting on the bottom line. 

In addition, legislation introduced in October 2006 has made age discrimination in employment unlawful.  Similar to race and gender discrimination laws which preceded it, the new age discrimination legislation covers people seeking employment, as well as those already employed, and aims to make training and development accessible to everyone.