Harder for people 45 and older to get jobs, says new study

A new study reveals that if you are 45 years and older (Gen X), it is more difficult to land a new job in today’s market. Despite having stronger skills and outperforming younger counterparts, the study points to hiring managers overlooking older workers.

The study looked at hiring trends in the U.K., U.S., Brazil, India, and Spain, among others. It found that workers born from the mid-1960’s to the early 1980’s are more likely to have been out of work for a year or more – 63% of workers aged 45 or older, compared to 33% of workers ages 18 to 24. Additionally, the unemployment numbers spiked dramatically among workers who identified as being underrepresented or a minority in a given country, and they often experienced much more vigorous vetting and testing in the hiring process.

Age discrimination is illegal

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals because of their age during the hiring process, or at any stage of their employment. However, the surprising results revealing the bias toward younger workers are in sharp contrast to surveys of managers regarding different age groups in their employ. They claim that 87 per cent of employees over the age of 45 to be a better fit for their roles, and outperform the younger age groups.

It is illegal for an employer to fire someone because of their age. Firing an employee in that manner is a human rights violation and can result in financial compensation for the employee, on top of a full severance package.

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Older employees less open to new roles, responsibilities

According to the study, hiring managers are more likely to believe that older employees are not adaptable or open to taking on new tasks.

Regardless of age, employees should always remember that they do not have accept any notable changes to their job. Whether it is a change to your duties, designation, hours or pay, your employer does not automatically have the right to make adjustments to your employment. Companies must adhere to the conditions and job description laid out in an employee’s job contract when assigning tasks to an employee.

Know your rights

If you are experiencing age discrimination firsthand in the workplace, you should reach out to the experienced employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We will review your situation, identify the legal options available to you, and help you pursue human rights damages along with the complete compensation that you are rightfully owed in this situation. We have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized employees in Ontario, BC and Alberta obtain their full severance package, and we can do the same for you.