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Two thirds of employers in Jersey say they believe age discrimination is a problem in the Island’s workplaces, even though the majority considers their organisations are age-diverse. That was the conclusion of an informal survey conducted at a seminar co-hosted by Mourant Ozannes and the CIPD Jersey branch on diversity and discrimination.
The discussion was timely, with age discrimination legislation coming into effect in Jersey on 1st September 2016. Speakers at the event included experts in employment law, HR and pensions from Jersey and the UK.
The audience heard how legislation on its own will not solve the problem and that a cultural shift within the business sector will be vital in creating a more age-diverse workforce and allaying the economic challenges caused by increasing life expectancy. Speakers also underlined the benefits of recruiting, retraining and retaining older workers and introducing age-friendly policies such as flexible working, phased retirement and family care leave.
Helen Ruelle, Partner at Mourant Ozannes in Jersey said, “As our workforce inevitably ages, taking better advantage of the skills and experience of our senior workers will be better for business and better for the economy. We have to accept that the landscape of our workforce is changing with the demographic of our population. According to one recent study we are now managing up to five different generations of workers in the workplace at the same time. This is not a bad thing; it can be very healthy for business but business has to understand and manage the challenges it presents to make the most of it.”
Attendees also heard that the ‘normal’ retirement age of 65 years is anachronistic.
“If current trends continue,” said Helen Ruelle, “the number of people not working will be grossly disproportionate to the number of people in work because our life expectancy has increased by so much. That will mean less money going into the State system to pay for pensions.”
The audience of 140 senior business professionals took part in a survey during the event to gauge their attitudes towards age discrimination in the workplace, with just over half responding that they had witnessed ageist behaviour during their career.
Cheryl Kaye, Chair of CIPD Jersey Branch said, “This was another extremely successful event with Mourant Ozannes, giving our members and other invited guests real insight into the challenges and benefits of, and practical advice on how to manage, a diverse workforce in today’s modern economy.”
