Letter: Workplace ageism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I am a mature student studying for an HND in computing. It is beginning to dawn on me, having been to numerous IT recruiting fairs, that I am wasting my time and money. The chances of a 45-year-old new graduate getting on to a company's graduate training scheme are non-existent, because their upper age limit is 28.
The Government's new code of practice on ageism in the workplace will not help. If the Government's Life-long Learning mantra is to have any credibility then a real law, with teeth, is required to ensure that employers do not unfairly discriminate against older applicants. It might also help all those aged over 50 about to be thrown into the job centres by changes to the administration of incapacity benefits.
A few court cases would soon sharpen the minds of the human resources people. The USA has such a law and it came about as part of its welfare reform project. I think it will be a necessary part of ours as well.
KEVIN WILLIS
Bristol
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments