Age bias complaints at work on the rise

COMPLAINTS to the workplace watchdog have leapt in the past year, with employees worried about age discrimination the fastest-growing problem.

By InvestSMART · 20 Nov 2011

By InvestSMART ·
20 Nov 2011

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COMPLAINTS to the workplace watchdog have leapt in the past year, with employees worried about age discrimination the fastest-growing problem.

A 46 per cent rise in discrimination complaints was recorded by the Fair Work Ombudsman last year - up from 801 to 1171. Complaints about age discrimination made up 13 per cent of all complaints - the second largest group.

People with physical or mental disabilities made up the largest group, or 20 per cent.

But age discrimination complaints went up the most in the past year, the category recording a 6 per cent increase.

"It might be someone suggesting early retirement or not offering an older person training in new technology because they think they're too old," the Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, said. The Human Rights Commission has reported an increase in queries from older staff. There has been a 65 per cent rise in inquiries about age discrimination this year and a 44 per cent increase in formal complaints.

Ms Ryan said research showed only a small number of people who experienced workplace discrimination were prepared to make complaints.

"Most people would say they don't want to make a fuss because I can find another job but that's not necessarily the case for older workers," she said.

The Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, said people were responding to campaigns about discrimination.

The federal government is investigating ways to keep people working for longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What recent trend has been reported in workplace discrimination complaints in Australia?

Complaints to the workplace watchdog have leapt over the past year: the Fair Work Ombudsman recorded a 46% rise in discrimination complaints last year, increasing from 801 to 1,171.

Which types of workplace discrimination are most commonly reported?

People with physical or mental disabilities made up the largest group of complaints (20%), while age discrimination was the second-largest group, accounting for 13% of all complaints.

How much have age discrimination complaints increased recently?

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman the age-discrimination category recorded a 6% increase in the past year. The Human Rights Commission separately reported a 65% rise in inquiries about age discrimination this year and a 44% increase in formal complaints.

What examples of age discrimination at work did the article highlight?

Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan gave examples such as suggesting early retirement or not offering older employees training in new technology because of assumptions they are 'too old.'

Why might older workers be less likely to make formal complaints about discrimination?

Research cited by the Age Discrimination Commissioner suggests only a small number of people who experience workplace discrimination are prepared to complain; many say they 'don't want to make a fuss' and older workers may find it harder to replace a job if they leave.

What are regulators and the government doing in response to rising age-discrimination concerns?

The Fair Work Ombudsman notes people are responding to anti-discrimination campaigns, and the federal government is investigating ways to keep people working for longer, while the Human Rights Commission has seen an increase in inquiries and formal complaints.

What should everyday investors watch regarding rising age-discrimination complaints?

Everyday investors may want to monitor regulatory and policy developments (the federal government is investigating ways to keep people working longer), corporate workplace practices, and public awareness campaigns, since rising complaint levels are drawing attention from regulators and rights bodies.

How might companies’ treatment of older workers come under scrutiny based on these trends?

With age-discrimination complaints rising and examples such as denial of training or pushes for early retirement cited, companies could face greater scrutiny of hiring, training and retirement practices as regulators and the public focus more on age discrimination.