Age discrimination: people over 50 are desperately fighting for jobs!

Age discrimination: people over 50 are desperately fighting for jobs!

In Schleswig-Holstein, more than 31,000 people over the age of 50 are unemployed, which accounts for an alarming 33.7 percent of the region's unemployment rate. These frightening figures are supported by the statement of Knut Böhrnsen, spokesman for the Federal Employment Agency in Schleswig-Holstein. He emphasizes that returning to the job market becomes a challenge, especially in difficult economic times: “When the economy is going well, the chances are better, but when markets are weak it becomes difficult for everyone.” Age discrimination is a pressing problem, as is the case NDR reported.

What is particularly worrying is the fact that job advertisements often target specific age groups, which directly excludes older job seekers. Samiah El Samadoni, head of the Schleswig-Holstein Anti-Discrimination Agency, pointed out that these practices not only worsen the chances of those over 50, but also endanger a broad range of experience in companies: "A 'young, dynamic team' excludes over-50 candidates," she explains. In further studies, the job platform Xing stated that one in four respondents over the age of 50 had already experienced discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, women are disproportionately affected.

demands and hopes

In view of these alarming statistics, the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Commerce and the State Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination are calling for more diversity in the teams. The idea is simple: a mixed team prevents a large age group from retiring at the same time, which makes personnel planning much easier. El Samadoni calls for mentoring programs where experienced employees can pass on their knowledge to younger colleagues. The Diversity Charter, to which 155 companies in Schleswig-Holstein have now joined, also advocates for a non-discriminatory working environment by promoting diversity and tolerance. These are crucial steps to counteract discrimination and open the labor market to all age groups, like the Anti-discrimination agency indicates.