1123 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.

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More messages from your neighbours
11 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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6 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

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🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
  • 52.9% Human-centred experience and communication
    52.9% Complete
  • 14.6% Critical thinking
    14.6% Complete
  • 29.8% Resilience and adaptability
    29.8% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I will share below!
    2.7% Complete
597 votes
11 hours ago

Considering Renting Out Your Holiday Home?

Bachcare

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As part of the Neighbourly community, Bachcare is offering you a FREE short-term rental appraisal to help discover your property’s earning potential.

With over 20 years of experience, Bachcare supports more than 1,500 homeowners nationwide with 24/7 guest management, local on-the-ground support, and professional cleaning services. We make hosting effortless while maximising your income.

Feel free to reach out to us if you want to find out more!

The Bachcare Team
Find out more

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