Small businesses favour younger staff, report shows

Date: 15th September 2010

Small businesses owners are reluctant to hire older workers as they fear they will be "too set in their ways".

That is according to new research by smallbusiness.co.uk, which showed that 25 per cent of UK firms would not employ someone over the age of 60 years.

Figures from the study also showed that a further 15 per cent said they would "maybe" hire someone of that age and six per cent would do so but on a part-time basis.

Peter Barnett, chief executive officer of Sales Managed, said: "Many employers have reservations that older people would be set in their ways.

"Some managers want their employees to do things their way and they see younger people as more ready to conform."

However, the report also showed that 52 per cent of businesses would hire workers aged over 60 years.

Tony Goodwin, of executive recruitment firm Antal International, added: "Our oldest director is 57 and I’d definitely employ him for another ten years. Why do we force people to retire at 65 when they have so much experience, knowledge and energy to give?"

Posted by Jacob Williams