Workplace demographics are changing.

A third of our workforce in Scotland is now over 50 and there are twice as many people aged 65 years and over in employment today compared to 10 years ago.  This number is set to rise as changes to retirement and state pensions make working beyond 65 more common. This means that for the first time in history, there are four generations working together.

Research shows that 83% of organisations say that a multigenerational workforce is key to business growth but 53% don't include age in their Diversity & Inclusion agenda and policy. 

The Scottish Government’s Fair Work Convention (2015) has a vision that by 2025, people in Scotland will have a world-leading working life where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society. 

The Scottish Government has also identified workers over 50 as being disadvantaged in the labour market. Ageism is a key factor in this.

Ageism is an issue in the workplace.

Ageism is any form of negative or positive discrimination, stereotype or bias relating to age.  Ageism functions at individual and organisational levels and remains a barrier to attaining and retaining work. 

With more generations working together than ever before, ageism is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Age-inclusion should be a priority for organisations. 

Age is a protected characteristic under the UK Equality Act, 2010.  However, to date, age has received less focus in comparison to other protected characteristics.

Organisations need to become more age-inclusive in order to ensure fair work and workplace equality.  It is recognised that greater age diversity at work provides organisations with productivity and equality opportunities to harness varied experience and skills from the whole of their workforce.

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