Selection for success factors not age
With new age discrimination laws in force from 1st October, employers need to be more accountable than ever when demonstrating that their recruitment and selection processes are objective and provide clear evidence of why a candidate has been selected over other candidates.
The Regulations will provide protection against age discrimination in employment, training and adult education, for people of all ages. It will be unlawful for your employer to discriminate against you because of your age, unless they can justify their actions, or it is covered by one of the exemptions included in the new law.
CIPD research shows that CIPD research shows that age discrimination persists in many organisations with 59% of respondents reporting that they have been disadvantaged by age. (www.cipd.co.uk)
Age positive, a Government organisation set up to promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people give the following advice on best practice in selection “ focus on skills not stereo types, make sure you are not making assumptions about the capability or medical fitness of someone based purely on their age, staff responsible for selecting and interviewing should be trained in equal opportunities, use people of different ages in the interview panel to reduce the possibility of biased against one age group, use selection criteria to mark candidates against, this can help in the decision making and record the fairness of the process and check the number of candidates of different age groups who applied, were short-listed, were interviewed and were appointed.
Employers taking no notice of the new age discrimination laws are not only risking litigation but also depriving themselves of a large number of potentially good candidates. Fairness at work and good job performance go hand in hand. Equality Opportunities helps to attract, motivate and retain employees and enhances your reputation as an employer.
For more information on how Extended DISC can help you find the best person for the job regardless of age call Kerry on 01249 700295