Age is the top barrier to job opportunities in the UK, above gender, ethnicity or educational background, according to research by LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2STb2tG
The survey, which polled more than 2,000 individuals in the UK as part of a wider global study, found many in the UK believe their age hindered their progress. Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents in the UK believe their age hindered their progress, compared to 7% who believe their level of educational attainment prevented them from progressing. Just 5% thought gender was a barrier, while 4% cited ethnicity.
Globally, 24% feel most held back by their financial status, followed by a difficult job market (21%), age (21%), lack of time (17%), and lack of confidence (14%).
All generations cite age-related opportunity gaps among their top challenges. For 43% of Boomers (born 1946-64), age is their biggest opportunity gap while 25% of Gen Z (born 1996-2010) struggle with a lack of work experience, which is also age-related as well. Older workers were more likely to cite age as an issue. Nearly half (45%) of those aged 55-65, and 26% aged 39-54, said they thought their age was an obstacle to progress in their careers.
Contrary to popular belief, people are not resistant to change, regardless of age, suggests the report. While working hard (81%) tops the list of what people perceive it takes to get ahead in life, a willingness to embrace change (80%) comes in a close second. People recognise they have to work hard, adopt a growth mind set and embrace lifelong learning as the economic landscape and job market evolves, suggests the report.
The study found most people in the UK associate ‘opportunity’ with getting a job that offers good work–life balance (43%), stability (42%) and the chance to do what they love (40%).
Which opportunities are people seeking?
- Job-related opportunities 87%
- Social opportunities 59%
- Learning opportunities 29%
- Networking and mentoring opportunities 22%
- Entrepreneurship opportunities 18%