YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

MOST JOB ADS REQUIRE APPLICATIONS BE EMAILED. DOESN’T THIS DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OLDER WORKERS?

DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

For most of us, our daily lives incorporate some element of transacting in the digital world, whether it’s paying a bill, checking your bank balance or online shopping. Job searching is no different and most job advertisers use online advertising as their primary means of sourcing applicants. This is not designed to discriminate against older workers, but to aid processing large volumes of applications. More older people are upskilling themselves digitally these days to keep up with the times but there are still traditional recruitment agencies you can register with.

SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

While age discrimination is definitely a hot topic and something that needs to be addressed to ensure that we have a fully activated workforce, the process of requiring jobseekers to email their applications would not be regarded as direct discrimination. If there are workers who do not have access to the required facilities to send applications online, there are services available at a range of government facilities where assistance can be provided. Where age discrimination is genuinely an issue is when employers are intentionally targeting advertising campaigns at specific demographics.

JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

Most ads require you to apply via email or an online application process. Even with an ageing workforce, I can’t remember the last time I was asked if an application could be posted or delivered by hand. If I was approached, I would certainly accept an application so the process is inclusive, however, I would also advise the applicant to look at setting up an email address and take advantage of the local library which generally allows members to use computers for free for periods of time. This, in turn, opens up more opportunity for the older worker.

DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

No. We work in a digital age. In 2018, there is a legitimate requirement and expectation that employees of all ages are digitally savvy. For older workers who are not computer literate, this means upskilling and training will be required to keep pace. You are competing against younger generations who know no other world, and whose computing skills and knowledge are second-nature. Email is a standard mode of communication in today’s workplaces. When something is an inherent requirement of the job, there are no grounds for discrimination.