Young people 'dismissive' of older workers

Young people are becoming resentful towards workers staying in jobs well into their sixties, creating ageist attitudes in the workplace, according to a new report.

A study of 2,000 adults by care provider Anchor showed that two out of five people aged 18 to 24 did not think there were enough jobs for older people to stay in work. The research also revealed that young people identified 62 as the "old age mark".

A fifth of young workers believed workers aged over 60 were slower and less productive, and one in 20 said they should be paid less.

Jane Ashcroft, chief executive of Anchor, said: "Casual ageism has no place in society and the negative perceptions bear no reality to the lives of the over-60s, who are active, energetic and contribute hugely to many of the most successful businesses and organisations in the country.

"The dismissive attitudes towards the over-sixties are a sad indictment of attitudes in this country." Anchor called on the government to appoint a minister for older people.