Age-related discrimination and stereotyping remains “firmly embedded” in UK society, but needs to be tackled due to the rapidly ageing population, according to a new government report.
The analysis undertaken by the Department of Work and Pensions on an Office for National Statistics survey of almost 2,200 people, revealed that one in three had experienced some form of age-related prejudice last year, with under 25 year-olds at least twice as likely to have done so than other groups.
One in seven respondents also indicated that they would find having a boss in their 70s to be “completely unacceptable”, while only one in 20 would be prepared to accept a boss in their 30s.
People in their 40s were viewed as having the highest status of all age groups, however, although those aged over 70 were assigned more status than those in their 20s. This was because, according to the report entitled ‘Attitudes to Age in Britain’, people aged 70 plus were viewed as more friendly, more competent and as having higher moral standards than those in their 20s.
But the study concluded that, over time, the economy could suffer from lost productivity if older workers were not given jobs that they were both willing and able to perform.
Female board representation
“It is imperative that a fuller understanding of attitudes to age is sought if the Government is to successfully develop and implement strategies to ensure social inclusion of older people,” it said.
In other news, it came to light that the number of women directors in UK boardrooms had hit its highest ever level, almost a year after Lord Davies of Abersoch called for “radical change” and set a target of 25% female representation among FTSE 250 companies.
Research carried out by the Professional Boards Forum found that 14.9% of UK directors at the UK’s 100 largest companies were now women, up from 12.5% in 2010. The figure fell to more like 9.2% in FTSE 250 companies, however, although it was up from 7.8% in 2010.
Nearly 100 more females were appointed last year across the board, the report said, with around 27% of the total being female, a figure that was still below Davies’ target of 33%.
The report also pointed out, however, that 10 FTSE 100 firms, operating mainly in the mining sector, still operated men-only boards.
