Business
Older Workers Face Growing Ageism in Job Market

Older individuals are increasingly struggling to secure and maintain employment, with rising ageism impacting job opportunities for those over 50. Sue, a 66-year-old with extensive experience in law and engineering, applied for numerous jobs over four months last year but received little response. She believes her age played a significant role in her job search difficulties. One potential employer even called her to verify her age, and upon learning it, opted not to proceed with her application.
Returning to New Zealand in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, Sue found herself with limited job prospects, landing only a few contracts through personal connections. She chose to keep her last name private, concerned that revealing her age might further hinder her job search. “I think everybody brings something unique to a job, and maybe people think that because you are older that you’re going to be slow or maybe you can’t use technology,” she said. “But those are all assumptions.”
Rising Ageism in Employment
Recent data indicates a troubling trend in ageism across Australia, with 25 percent of employers now categorizing individuals over 50 as “older,” a significant increase from just 10 percent two years ago. Many believe this sentiment is mirrored in New Zealand. Yvonne Weeber, who is now 64, has removed any information from her CV that might indicate her age. She noted that entering her 50s prompted a scrutiny of her career trajectory, as people began questioning why she had not advanced to management positions.
After a six-month redundancy period, Weeber decided to shift her career path in 2021. She emphasized that older workers are often unfairly perceived as incapable of adapting to new systems, yet she found success in her new role despite initial challenges. “I thought if this doesn’t work out I’d need to start looking for other jobs,” she admitted, but ultimately found fulfillment and ways to improve her work environment.
According to employment lawyer Jills Angus Burney, ageism affects not only job seekers but also those facing layoffs. She noted that many older workers are not eligible for pensions and must rely on unemployment benefits, creating a challenging situation where they feel pressured to find new employment quickly. “It’s catch 22,” she explained.
Unemployment Rates and Legal Considerations
In the past 18 months, there has been an uptick in cases of older workers being made redundant through improper processes. The unemployment rate for individuals aged 45 and above has steadily increased since 2022. Notably, the unemployment rate among those aged 55-64, which had historically been lower than for those aged 45-54, has now seen a reversal in this trend. For the first time since September 1993, unemployment among over-65s has risen to above 2 percent.
Legal frameworks prohibit discrimination based on age, and employers must justify redundancy decisions based on qualifications rather than personal circumstances. “You can’t discriminate in employment law,” Burney stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in decision-making processes.
Gayle Chambers, national president of Grey Power, highlighted that the challenges of redundancy do not diminish with age. Many individuals retiring at 65 still face financial pressures, such as remaining mortgages. She pointed out that older workers often end up in lower-skilled jobs, such as supermarket positions or cleaning services, rather than in roles that match their experience and capabilities.
Chambers urged employers to recognize the value of older employees, stating, “If you’ve got a loyal employee who is still giving the same degree of competency to their job, they should not be discriminated against because of their age.” She noted that losing seasoned employees means losing years of accumulated knowledge and expertise.
The challenges faced by older workers in securing employment highlight a growing issue in the job market that demands attention from employers and policymakers alike. As the workforce continues to evolve, addressing ageism will be crucial to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age, have the opportunity to contribute their skills and experience effectively.
-
Lifestyle5 days ago
Dunedin Designers Win Top Award at Hokonui Fashion Event
-
World5 days ago
Test Your Knowledge: Take the Herald’s Afternoon Quiz Today
-
Sports5 days ago
PM Faces Backlash from Fans During Netball Trophy Ceremony
-
World1 week ago
Coalition Forms to Preserve Māori Wards in Hawke’s Bay
-
Top Stories1 week ago
UK and India Finalize Trade Deal to Boost Economic Ties
-
World1 week ago
Fonterra’s Miles Hurrell Discusses Butter Prices with Minister Willis
-
Politics1 week ago
Prime Minister Luxon Remains Silent on Foreign Buyers Policy Change
-
World1 week ago
Huntly Begins Water Pipe Flushing to Resolve Brown Water Issue
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Reggae Icon George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso Passes Away at 55
-
Politics1 week ago
European Poultry Showcases Quality at WOFEX 2025 in Manila
-
Top Stories1 week ago
Over 70 Jobs Cut at New Zealand’s Department of Conservation
-
Top Stories1 week ago
Electoral Changes Spark Debate on Public Health and Democracy