Confusion and uncertainty about what ageism is continues

As Australia’s economy rebuilds from months of restrictions, job vacancies are at record highs. Older workers have been filling labour shortages in a wide array of industries. Given there are hundreds of thousands of older people who would like more work than they have, the signs may appear encouraging. But it’s not time to celebrate yet.

As borders slowly reopen, the labour market will likely begin to tighten. If what we know about ageism holds, older workers who have stepped into jobs may be the first to be shown the door when younger workers become more readily available.

That might seem like an illogical move on the part of employers. But the sad reality is that in many workplaces across Australia, employees, and people who are trying to get into work, are judged not on their capacities, but on their age.

On 1 October this year, EveryAGE Counts, Australia’s national campaign against ageism, held the country’s first Ageism Awareness Day. Although our event was virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, hundreds still participated to listen and tell their stories. And while the cases of discrimination they shared were varied all had the same negative impact.

We heard time and time again how stereotyping, name calling, and dismissive attitudes are the thin edge of the ageism wedge. They directly lead to situations where older employees are overlooked for promotions, excluded from work social events, and allocated lesser responsibilities based on their age. In some cases, older workers told us about having their hours cut, being demoted, or getting unfairly dismissed because of their age.