Three-quarters of engineering professionals say age discrimination is common in their workplace

A staggering 79.5% of workers in the engineering industry have revealed that discrimination around age is common in their workplace.

That’s according to the latest piece of research from  CV-Library, the UK independent job board.



The study asked 1,400 UK workers to open up about the topic of discrimination in the workplace, particularly when it comes to age.

It found that one third (31.7%) of professionals in the sector have been rejected for a job because of their age. Other key findings include:

* One third (30.5%) of engineering professionals feel they’re not taken seriously at work, because of their age

* With a further 61.1% stating that they have been discriminated against at work because they were considered ‘too old’

* AND, 33.3% of professionals working in the sector were discriminated against for being ‘too young’

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments: “Diversity is a hot topic at the moment, and it is something that should be celebrated in the workplace. Sadly, there is clearly still a great amount of discrimination amongst those considered to be ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ to work in certain positions.

“As a nation, we need to address this issue head on, and consider ways in which we can remove these stigmas.”

Of those that said they were considered to be ‘too young’ for a job, 66.7% were told that they didn’t have enough experience.

Conversely, for those considered to be ‘too old’, 27.3% heard that there were concerns that they wouldn’t be able to learn new things quickly, and that they wouldn’t be agile enough for the job (18.2%).

Biggins continues: “It’s clear that discrimination around age is not only rife in workplaces, but also during the hiring process.

“But, while employers may think their pickiness will secure them the very best workers, they’re actually limiting themselves even further. Younger, and older, workers are a key part of driving our economy forward and companies should embrace a diverse range of employees in their business.”