Age discrimination can happen anywhere, and is one of the most common forms of unlawful treatment. Employers can commit age bias if they believe someone who is older cannot perform tasks with the same swiftness as someone who is younger. An employer may also have other faulty beliefs such as thinking an older applicant is not as easy to train, or that they will not have many years of work in them compared to other candidates. It is important to be aware of when age discrimination may be happening, so you can take the steps necessary to hold that person responsible for their illegal behavior.
If you think you may have already been the victim of age discrimination, you should consult with an attorney right away. Work opportunities should be available to every person regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or other characteristics.
Age Bias During the Recruitment Process
When filling out an application for a job, the age of the person can be easily determined. The length of someone’s job experience can be a quick way to figure out if an applicant is of an older or younger generation. Older applicants may be tempted to withhold ten years or more of work experience, out of fear that they will be denied.
Signs of Age Discrimination
If you are currently employed, there are red flags that could mean you are becoming a target at work. Keep your eyes and ears open for any of the following:
- As older employees are being terminated, younger employees are being hired. The company may be determined to create a new team of younger and cheaper workers who each have the same mind-set.
- You hear statements about your age. If your boss jokes with you about when you plan to retire, that could very well mean it is on his or her mind. You can respond by letting your boss know you intend to remain in this company for a long time and have no plans to retire anytime soon. Bring a coworker friend who could be a witness, just in case eventually you decide to file a lawsuit if the jokes continue.
- You have been given new duties that are not pleasant. An employer giving an employee a job reassignment could be a strategic way to get you to quit.
- You no longer receive a wage increase. If you had a fantastic year and did not get a raise, that is cause for concern. The only time this may be legitimate is if you have reached the top of your pay scale for that job role.
- Your performance reviews do not match up with your work ethic. If a new company owner decides to clean the house of the older, more costly workers they may give you a very poor review. They may be hoping you eventually decide to quit. If you suddenly become a bad employee in the eyes of a new supervisor, you may want to get advice from a legal professional.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer, like a employment discrimination lawyer Washington DC from Eric Siegel Law, for assistance. Do not let the age discrimination continue. Let an attorney help you protect your rights.