Age bias complaints at work on the rise

An increasing number of employees are reportedly concerned about age discrimination, as complaints to the workplace watchdog rapidly rises.

The Age reports a 46% rise in discrimination complaints as recorded by the Fair Work Ombudsman last year. Figures are up from 801 to 1,171, with complaints about age discrimination making up 13% of all complaints.

People with physical or mental disabilities contribute to the largest group with 20% expressing their concern to the Ombudsman.

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, tells The Age that discrimination relating to a person’s age can come in many forms.

“It might be someone suggesting early retirement or not offering an older person training in new technology because they think they’re too old,” she explains.

Of most concern to Ms Ryan is research which shows only a small number of people experiencing workplace discrimination are 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 says.

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

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