Research from the Employers Forum on Age found that over a third of people felt they had been discriminated against when trying to find a job or applying for a more senior position within the same company.
Around 16 per cent felt that they had been overlooked due to favouritism in the workplace and a similar number felt their age went against them.
'There seems to be a very high instance of people being selected for a new job or promotion if their 'face fits', which unfortunately means some people feel that talent isn't enough to overcome prejudices,' said Denise Keating, chief executive of the company.
She explained that most people naturally feel an unconscious bias towards those most similar to them, but it is important that managers and hirers do not allow this affiliation to lead to favouritism or discrimination.
Rachel Krys, director of Inclusive Employers, said it was beneficial for employers to have a mix of ages at a company, as youth brings fresh ideas while more mature workers have a calming influence.
Around 16 per cent felt that they had been overlooked due to favouritism in the workplace and a similar number felt their age went against them.
'There seems to be a very high instance of people being selected for a new job or promotion if their 'face fits', which unfortunately means some people feel that talent isn't enough to overcome prejudices,' said Denise Keating, chief executive of the company.
She explained that most people naturally feel an unconscious bias towards those most similar to them, but it is important that managers and hirers do not allow this affiliation to lead to favouritism or discrimination.
Rachel Krys, director of Inclusive Employers, said it was beneficial for employers to have a mix of ages at a company, as youth brings fresh ideas while more mature workers have a calming influence.
