Australian employers open up to older workers: Study

Employers in Australia are now seeking older workers after decades of "ageism", according to a survey. The survey conducted by Monash University asked 600 Queensland employers which social groups they were recruiting, in response to labour shortages. with options that included women.

The study which was partly funded by the Queensland Government revealed that half the public sector employers and 40 per cent of private sector employers sought workers between 55 or older when times were tough.

The results were surprising according to professor Philip Taylor who led the study as he had expected the global financial crisis to have increased employer prejudice against older workers.

According to Taylor he had been researching the issue of mature age workers for over 20 years and it was the first time he was seeing such an interest in older workers.

Taylor said employers looking for young workers should prepare themselves for a 'multi-generational workforce.

He added that employers would face issues of wage inflation by trying to compete with other employers for younger workers or due to the cost of having to import workers.