73% of over-50s feel overlooked by employers, research finds  

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of employees over 50 reported feeling overlooked for promotions because of their age. 

A survey by talent solutions firm Robert Walters highlighted that professionals over 50 were increasingly disregarded in their current roles and while seeking new positions. 

The Centre for Ageing Better indicated that individuals over 50 make up 42% of the 1.2 million people with long-standing health conditions who are not employed but would like to work.

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters Midlands, said: “With the number of over-50s in the jobs market still not returning to pre-pandemic levels and increasing prolonged illness and care responsibilities spiking levels of economic inactivity within this group, we quickly begin to see an issue which needs to be addressed.” 

For over-50s seeking new jobs, many felt they lost out due to assumptions that they were ‘overqualified’ (43%), had high salary expectations (25%), were not seen as a ‘long-term’ hire (17%), or were perceived as not fitting into company culture (15%). 

59% of professionals over 50 in the UK believed their age prevented them from being considered for training or upskilling opportunities.

However, 66% of professionals across all age groups felt that continuous learning and reskilling were crucial in today’s job market.

The Robert Walters survey also showed that 65% of professionals of all ages believed including their age on CVs negatively impacted their chances of securing a new position, while 41% reported omitting their graduation dates for the same reason.

Robert Walters’ Benefits Guide also found that employer pension contributions for professionals aged 50 to 59 were often lower, typically ranging from 3% to 6%, compared to 7% to 10% for younger workers.

The Department for Work & Pensions recently reported that the average retirement age in the UK reached its highest level, with men retiring at 65.7 years and women at 64.5 years.

Khatoon said: “It is no doubt that ageism is a significant issue within UK workplaces.

“It is equally true that employers who view over-50s as ‘difficult’ hires are losing out on an untapped part of the workforce with a wealth of experience, wisdom and grit.

“Having spent longer in the labour market, professionals over 50 will naturally have larger professional networks – they should leverage this to their advantage.

“A simple introduction or referral could open them up to a host of new opportunities.”