Like any successful organisation, we need people who have knowledge and experience in key areas, as well as those with fresh ideas to challenge conventional methods.
We’re committed to recruiting and developing people of all ages – from those just out of education, through to individuals who bring invaluable experience from other careers.
This combination will ensure we continue to progress and support the Government and the general public in the 21st century. It also means that the mix of people we have working for us mirrors those we are serving – so we can better understand their needs and provide a more customer-focused service.
Age discrimination
Unemployment is a significant contributor to problems of poverty among older people and antisocial behaviour among younger age groups.
Age discrimination in the form of reluctance to employ workers from an older age group plays a major part in detaching these workers from meaningful participation in the workforce.
Similarly, a reluctance to employ young school leavers can result in high unemployment, demoralisation and a loss of incentive among a disadvantaged youth, with knock-on effects of crime, poverty and social exclusion.
What you can do
Ensure you act fairly:
- Recruit, develop and promote staff regardless of age.
- Keep abreast of age regulations and legislation, and inform staff as necessary.
- Promote the Civil Service as an employer of choice by highlighting the benefits of working for us – such as childcare facilities, flexible working practices, continuous training and our pension provision.
Don’t make assumptions:
- Don’t assume older staff are less able to learn, or younger staff do not have the competencies needed for a role.
- Don’t second-guess your employees’ intentions over retirement.
What you can do
Treat everyone with respect:
- Don’t stereotype colleagues who are older or younger than you; never judge a person’s competence or skills based on their age.
Ask for, and offer, help if needed:
- Don’t be afraid to ask if you need support from your employer. For example, during your working life you may need to change working arrangements to improve your work/life balance, to study or to care for children or older relatives.
- Share knowledge and information with any colleague who comes to you for it
Useful links
The Employers Forum on Age (EFA) is the UK’s leading authority on age. Founded in 1996, the EFA is an independent network of leading employers who recognise the value of an age-diverse workforce. In addition to supporting employers, the EFA influences Government, business and trade unions, campaigning for real practical change.
Age Positive is run by a team in the Department for Work and Pensions, in Sheffield and London, responsible for strategy and policies to support people making decisions about work and retirement. The Age Positive campaign promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people.