Mature workers news round up – January 2022

Phoenix Group bans the word ‘energetic’ from job ads to lure older workers (UK)

One of Britain’s biggest insurers has banned the words “energetic” and “enthusiastic” from its job adverts because it says they deter older applicants. Phoenix Group said that the adjectives were “younger-age stereotypical words” that could put off over-50s from applying. The company is also assessing where it places its job adverts to make sure they are reaching older potential job applicants.  – The Times 17 January 2022

Boss’s menopause jibe to end in harassment payout (UK)

A middle-aged sales assistant has won an age and sex harassment case after her male boss made loud comments about her going through the menopause in front of customers.  – The Times 18 January 2022

Phoenix Group bans the word ‘energetic’ from job ads to lure older workers (UK)

One of Britain’s biggest insurers has banned the words “energetic” and “enthusiastic” from its job adverts because it says they deter older applicants. Phoenix Group said that the adjectives were “younger-age stereotypical words” that could put off over-50s from applying. The company is also assessing where it places its job adverts to make sure they are reaching older potential job applicants.  – The Times 17 January 2022

Why is it still considered OK to be ageist?

Not only is age the poor relation in diversity policies, it is still perfectly acceptable in polite society to be rampantly ageist.  – Australian Financial Review 17 January 2022

India’s Ageing Population Has More Women but Systemic Inequality Will Hurt Them More than Men

Female workforce participation must be encouraged so that the future generations of older women can become economically independent.  – News18 16 January 2022

‘Great Resignation’ Creates Job Opportunities for Retirees (USA)

After nearly three decades working with ManpowerGroup in the Steubenville, Ohio area, most recently as a market manager, Laurel McDowell decided it was time to retire. But she barely had time to enjoy it before the corporate office contacted her about coming back to work. They wanted McDowell to spearhead an initiative that would target older workers and help them find jobs.

Hiring demand has some thinking about going back to work for their own benefit  – AARP 14 January 2022

Addressing ageism in tech will help to rectify the industry’s digital skills shortage

Why an age-diverse workforce is imperative for business success and how tech companies can strive to eliminate ageism in the workplace.  – IDG Connect 13 January 2022

Supermarket worker with dementia was discriminated against after employer suggested she retire, tribunal rules (UK)

A supermarket worker with dementia was constructively unfairly dismissed and a victim of disability and age discrimination after her employer asked her if she wanted to retire, a tribunal has ruled. Experts urge caution and warn ‘well-meaning’ comments can still land companies in legal hot water.  – People Management 12 January 2022

Personal trainer, 64, sues trendy gym where he worked for age discrimination because the music was too modern (UK)

Fitzroy Gaynes sued the gym where he worked for age discrimination as the music it played was too modern. The club had a policy of playing music no older than 18 months.  – The Sun 12 January 2022

University of Iowa settles professor’s discrimination lawsuit for $325,000, admits no wrongdoing

A former University of Iowa employee who says she was discriminated against based on age and gender received a $325,000 settlement Tuesday from the state, which admitted no wrongdoing.  – Iowa Press Citizen 12 January 2022