This website is intended for healthcare professionals

Professional

In Your Workplace

NHS Trust HR director Graham White answers a question on ageism in job adverts.

A job ad recently asked for the applicant to be 'youthful in outlook and energetic', have 'drive' and 'motivation'. I knew I could do the job but felt too old at 58 to have 'youthful enthusiasm'. Can organisations do this to lead only young people to apply?

I had a wry smile when I read this question as I am only a few months away from 58 myself and I definitely don't feel too old for anything. This is clearly age discrimination and organisations cannot do this. This type of behaviour must be challenged as it has a significantly harmful effect on staff and businesses. It damages internal relationships, it impacts on individual productivity and it creates division with teams.

Register now for access

Thank you for visiting Independent Nurse and reading some of our premium content. To read more, please register today. 

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here