Carlton Resource Solutions says key to Business Success is Varied and Experienced Workforce

A recent Dispatches investigation questioned whether the job market is a level playing field for all ages. The Channel 4 investigation uncovered that some professionals over the age of 50 have faced some form of ageism from recruitment agencies and employers. In the current economic climate, unemployment in the over 50 age group has increased by 30%* in the last quarter. According to Anna Yates, Engineering Consultant with Carlton Resource Solutions, firms are losing out by discounting the skills and experience offered by candidates in the over 50 age group.

ìThere are significant benefits to be reaped from having a varied workforce. Companies who have retained employees for many, many years can count on these individuals to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This not only benefits the successful running of the business, but having a core set of staff who are very experienced in their field can add value to the whole workforce. Younger members of staff can learn a great deal from these employees and highly experienced individuals can help to develop the next generation of personnel. This is vital to guarantee the future of any business.

ìThe oil and gas sector is currently facing skills shortages and these gaps can only be filled by experienced candidates, who are often within the over 50 age group. There is a great deal of history within this sector with some employees working in the field for ten to twenty years and as such, energy firms are quick to recognise the benefits of retaining or employing these individuals.

ìOur engineering clients often ask for personnel with as much relevant experience as possible, for them hiring the best expertise is integral to success. Therefore, when matching candidates to client roles, the most important thing is the skills and experience they possess to carry out the job effectively and this is regardless of their age.

ìAge discrimination is closely regulated and we operate in strict accordance with Government legislation which was launched in October 2006. It is designed to protect people from being denied jobs because of their age, consequently any communication we have with a candidate whether it is via a job advert or in an interview situation, we adhere to the letter of the law. Therefore, we will not specify the number of years experience required for the job or use words such as energetic or dynamic, which can be deemed ageist.î

The Dispatches investigation also analysed whether age has a bearing on fitness or productivity. It highlighted that older workers were more able, if not even more so than their younger counterparts and Anna states that this further highlights that age should not determine how capable a person is of doing a job. ìA more accurate indicator of capability is the credentials and achievements that an individual has and therefore can bring to the workplace. Therefore, discounting people because of their age could lead to employers losing out on some of the best talent available. Recruiting from the widest pool of applicants produces the best results, as it provides clients with the most suitable person and ultimately, leads to a more productive workforce.î

Anna concludes, ìAccording to the Office of National Statistics nearly a third of the labour force will be over the age of 50 by 2020. So employers will need to be more forward thinking in planning for the next stage of their business and recognise the benefits that can be brought by employing and retaining a varied and highly experienced team of personnel.î

Carlton Resource Solutions (Carlton) has grown and developed to cover all geographic regions through its operational hubs in Aberdeen and London. Established in 1981, the firm recruits for a wide range of technical and non-technical opportunities. Carlton matches candidates to employers across the full spectrum of occupations in the accountancy and finance, commercial, HR and training, industrial, information technology, technical and engineering disciplines, in both public sector and other corporate environments. Carlton recruits for permanent, contract or temporary placements. For more information call 01224 650500 or visit www.carltonrs.com