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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this Ageism? (Job Interview)

103 replies

ladylovesmilktray · 03/02/2021 16:21

I recently interview for a job and just got this emailed response.

Thanks for interviewing with the team earlier this week for the above position. Unfortunately on this occasion we've decided to go with someone else for this role.

Although the team were really impressed with both your experience and the ideas you mentioned (particularly in regards to XXX), we've decided to go with someone who is more of a younger, up and coming voice which meets certain strategic organisational goals for us.

I am annoyed I ever went for the job and wish they hadn't shortlisted me in the first place though I imagine this could have been classed as discrimination.

AIBU to think this is overt age discriminination? Or I am just feeling sour grapes (and like a bitter old hag)?

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 03/02/2021 16:23

"Younger, up and coming voice which meets certain strategic goals for us"

Translation - cheaper

FieldOverFence · 03/02/2021 16:24

Yeah that is actually a really dodgy thing to say!!! They have actually called out age as a factor in their decision making, which is quite discriminatory.

user1465423698 · 03/02/2021 16:26

Not sure it was very sensible of them to put that in writing.

Twickerhun · 03/02/2021 16:27

Yup that says that you have been discriminated against on the grounds of age (or the age they perceived you and the other candidates to be).

HenriettaHeffalump · 03/02/2021 16:27

Yes, that's ageist and obviously so. Really silly of them to put that in writing 🤦‍♀️🙄Hmm.

Aprilx · 03/02/2021 16:28

That is definitely discrimination.

Original poster
ladylovesmilktray · 03/02/2021 16:29

It's really out me off going for other jobs in this field now as I'm thinking I'm too old to have my finger on this particular pulse!

OP posts:
Enidblyton1 · 03/02/2021 16:30

Wow, I think they made a big error in writing that! I’m sure it’s a common reason for not employing someone, but they shouldn’t admit it.

Sciics · 03/02/2021 16:30

You 100% have a case for age discrimination. Can’t believe they put that in writing.

VinylDetective · 03/02/2021 16:31

They’re fucking idiots to put that in writing. I’d sue them if it were me.

Cpl654321 · 03/02/2021 16:31

Am Shock that they said they chose a younger candidate! That's really bad. I dont know who you'd report it to but that has to be age discrimination.

LadyHedgehog · 03/02/2021 16:31

Age is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Very very silly of them to have put that in writing. I think I would at least be calling them out on it, and possibly considering legal action if I were in your position.

user1477249785 · 03/02/2021 16:37

Doesn't it depend how old you are whether age is a protected characteristic? How old are you op? I thought it was only over 40 that it was protected but don't know why I think that.

eurochick · 03/02/2021 16:39

They are idiots for sending you that!

Substitute with another protected characteristic to see how wrong it is (as I think we are often less shocked by age discrimination). Eg "we have decided to go with a whiter candidate..,". " we have decided to go with a less Jewish candidate..."

Livingtothefull · 03/02/2021 16:40

That was very foolish of them as they are admitting in writing they discriminated on the grounds of age which is illegal. What you do with that is up to you, you could certainly get some initial legal advice to see what your potential options are.

VinylDetective · 03/02/2021 16:43

@user1477249785

Doesn't it depend how old you are whether age is a protected characteristic? How old are you op? I thought it was only over 40 that it was protected but don't know why I think that.
I don’t know why you think it either. There’s no limit on age discrimination, especially when it’s as blatant as this.
Crankley · 03/02/2021 16:58

There may be another vacancy there soon, when they sack the person who wrote that.

AIMD · 03/02/2021 17:00

The younger bit defiantly is.

I’m surprised they’ve been so stupid as to put that in writing.

Lockandtees · 03/02/2021 17:01

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

mumwon · 03/02/2021 17:04

CAB & don't tell them
Sue the guts out of them -

Livingtothefull · 03/02/2021 17:04

@user1477249785

Doesn't it depend how old you are whether age is a protected characteristic? How old are you op? I thought it was only over 40 that it was protected but don't know why I think that.
No there is no 'cut off' age at which legal protection from discrimination applies. Young people may btw be discriminated against too at work (eg by being belittled, or paid less, because they are younger); the issue is purely whether an individual has been discriminated against on the grounds of age. Which appears to be the case in the OP's situation.
NewModelArmyMayhem18 · 03/02/2021 17:04

Yes, you've definitely got a case against them on age discrimination. There was a well-publicised case recently about a middle-aged man who was overlooked for a job at a London hospital (possibly St. Thomas's?) because they didn't think he'd fit in (as the team was mainly female and younger). He won his case and got compensation too.

LolaSmiles · 03/02/2021 17:09

It's either deliberate age discrimination and theyve admitted it, or they decided to appoint someone who was cheaper, probably a bit earlier in their career and someone who they can see has the training potential (which can make sense to appoint someone earlier in their career and train/shape for the role and organisation long term goals) but whoever wrote the email has been an idiot.

wendyleen · 03/02/2021 17:09

WTF?! I'm not surprised you're annoyed!

ShemShem · 03/02/2021 17:11

No.

An 80 year old can have a younger up and coming voice

Those aren't characteristics of age

You're probably just too boring for their goals

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