1151 days ago

Are you past landing a job at 55? The reality of ageism despite labour shortages

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Amanda Cropp:

For older job-seekers like Christine Black, the low unemployment rate has improved her odds of getting an interview.

The 61-year-old accountant recently got shortlisted for a call centre job, an improvement on five years ago when she applied for the same position and didn’t get a look in.

Being asked if you have any health issues or told you are over-qualified, (which she was for the call centre position), can be shorthand for “you’re too old,” and Black says ageism is still a problem.

“Somebody said to me ‘your life experience exceeds our expectations’ ... I know a lot of under-employed women between 50 and 65.”

A third of the workforce is over the age of 55, and the proportion working past retirement age has risen steadily.

In 2008, 15% of those aged 65-plus were employed, compared with just over 25% in 2022.

According to Stats NZ forecasts, by 2043 the labour force will have up to 386,000 people aged 65-plus, almost double the number in 2020.

The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, and unless it is a genuine qualification for a job – such as bar work – it can be unlawful for an employer to ask your age in a job interview.

Read the full story here.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

Ashleigh from The Neighbourly Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
8 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

Image
Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.4% Inside!
    76.4% Complete
  • 23.6% On top!
    23.6% Complete
1201 votes
11 days ago

Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!

Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫

What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇

Image