AGE DISCRIMINATION UNWELCOME
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I n an apparent reversal of the industrial norm, drivers lbelieve that older workers in the haulage industry stand a better chance than younger workers of getting a job. Although less than 40% of drivers surveyed believe that their employers practice age discrimination , where it does exist young drivers below 25 are more than twice as likely to lose out to older, more experienced applicants, despite the fact that anyone over 21 can hold an LGV licence. Insurance companies charging higher premiums for young drivers and lack of experience are blamed.
However, more than 62% of drivers believe they work for employers where an applicant's age has no bearing on their chance of either winning employment or staying in a job once taken on. Three quarters of drivers feel that, if their company continues to trade normally, they can work until normal retirement age.
The survey reveals that drivers are overwhelmingly opposed to employers discriminating on grounds of age in job advertising-75% believe this practice should be banned and that other factors such as skills, experience and ability are much more important.