By Malcolm King

MATURE-AGE job seekers are encouraged to avoid becoming fatigued in their hunt for work, as employers are urged to consider how older recruits can bring life learning and skills to new positions.

Olderworkers.com.au Director Matt Higgins says latest Australian Bureau of Stastics figures confirm ageism is alive.

The data reveals 50 percent of male job seekers and 39 percent of females feel discouraged and are not actively applying for work becasue employerts are telling them they are too old to hire.

Mr Higgins says four million baby boomers will retire in the next decade and, by 2020, Australia will have negative labour market growth.He says having only 52 percent of 60 to 64 year olds participating in the workforce is costing the nation’s economy considerably.

“Yet HR companies seem completely ignorant of this fact” he says. “HR consultants need to demonstrate leadership in the area of equality and educate their clients on how older recruits bring life lerning and skills to new positions. Organisations must start to make it clear that they want the best person for the job, despite their age. That they want a diverse workforce full of learners, teachers, mentors and relaible workers who will add value to their business.”

Employers need to consider the ageing population and what skills older workes can bring to their organisation to offset the affect of the skills shortage, such as a strong working ethic, reliability and loyalty to employers. They are also urged to offer older workers as much training as they would provide younger staff.

Source: The Courier mail/Careerone

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