Over 50 and Unemployed: Is Your Career Effectively Over? Episode 832

In this episode, Niall speaks to social commentator and podcaster Elaine Mullally about age discrimination in the workplace and whether workers over 50 are being unfairly overlooked.

Approximately 80% of workers over the age of 50 say they have experienced or witnessed age discrimination, including being denied interviews, passed over for promotions or subjected to stereotypes about their energy, adaptability and ability to learn new skills.

Ireland is currently close to full employment, yet many older workers say that losing a job after the age of 50 can leave them struggling to find another opportunity, regardless of their experience or qualifications.

If a candidate over 50 and a fit 25-year-old applied for the same position, and both had the necessary skills, who would you hire?

Supporters of the older candidate argue that experience, maturity, reliability and workplace knowledge should count for more. Others believe younger applicants may be more energetic, adaptable and motivated to build a long-term career.

Are employers making sensible business decisions, or are they dismissing valuable workers simply because of their age?