UK Members of Parliament have issued urgent warnings about widespread ageism across British society. Research shows one in four adults experience age discrimination, with impacts particularly severe in workplaces. The problem affects both young and old citizens, costing the economy up to £31 billion annually. MPs highlight how ageist attitudes in media contribute to discrimination, while employment barriers and health consequences remain significant concerns. Further investigation reveals how deeply this prejudice has become normalized in everyday interactions.
Despite laws meant to protect people from discrimination, ageism remains widespread across the United Kingdom. A recent parliamentary report shows that one in four UK adults have experienced age-based prejudice. More alarming is that ageism affects all age groups, with 93% of young people facing negative treatment at work due to their age.
Ageism pervades British society despite protective laws, affecting both young and old in workplaces nationwide.
The workplace is where much of this discrimination occurs. About 37% of age discrimination happens at work for those aged 50 and older. One in three people over 50 believe they've been rejected for jobs because of their age. Only 24% of young HR leaders are willing to hire workers aged 55-75, revealing a significant generational bias in recruitment. Meanwhile, 69% of young workers report missing out on promotions because employers think they're too young.
UK media contributes to the problem by portraying older people as either frail and helpless or as wealth-hoarding "boomers." A study of online publications found the UK to be the most ageist among 20 countries examined. Nearly half of people over 70 have experienced discrimination in media or entertainment. Ageist comments and jokes remain socially acceptable, creating an environment where discrimination is normalized.
The economic cost is substantial. The low employment rate of older workers costs the UK economy between £19 billion and £31 billion yearly. Age discrimination payouts have jumped 624% to an average of £103,000 in 2023-24. Companies that embrace workers of all ages typically perform better than their competitors. The rise in age discrimination also places additional strain on unpaid carers, with nearly 1.2 million carers aged 65+ in England and Wales as of 2021.
Ageism also harms health. Research shows those with negative perceptions of aging live 7.5 years less on average. More than half of people say ageism affects their self-worth, and 45% feel it undermines their self-belief.
MPs are now calling for action. They want a thorough review of age discrimination laws, which they say are failing older people. They've recommended creating a Commissioner for Older People role in England and strengthening employers' duty to prevent age discrimination.
They're also urging advertising regulators to tackle ageist stereotypes and calling for a new digital inclusion strategy to help older people access essential online services.
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