Age discrimination in the workplace can be financially ruinous, as it can force qualified, good workers out of jobs. Despite the fact that age discrimination is illegal in the U.S., however, it still occurs far too often. And understanding the scope of the problem may be the first step in addressing it.
A Look at Workplace Age Discrimination in the U.S.
- Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of age discrimination complaints filed with the EEOC – Records indicate that there has been an approximately 40 percent jump in the number of age discrimination complaints filed with the EEOC. While this may be due to the fact that age discrimination is happening more and more in U.S. workplaces, experts caution that it could also stem from more workers knowing their rights, understanding how to file complaints and having the courage to do so.
- Nearly 1 in every 4 EEOC complaints is associated with allegations of workplace age discrimination – What may be even more surprising than this is the fact that experts expect these types of discrimination complaints to grow in the coming years as Baby Boomers age.
- About 1 in every 3 workers over 40 reports having experienced or witnessed workplace age discrimination – This speaks to the prevalence of workplace age discrimination, as well as the fact that many of these cases are never reported to authorities.
- Less than 1 in 3 older workers has enough savings to retire – While this means that these older workers have to work to support themselves and cover their living expenses, about 30 percent of these people also say they have to work “several” more years before they have enough to comfortably retire. Additionally, about 16 percent of those who have retired end up having to go back to work because they are not able to support themselves on their retirement savings alone.
- On average, it takes workers older than 50 about three months longer to find a job (when compared to younger workers) – Although it is not entirely clear just why this is the case, this finding does seem to indicate that employer bias against older workers may be a factor.
- Since 1967 (when anti-age discrimination laws were passed in the U.S.), at least $90 million has been recovered for the victims of workplace age discrimination – This is a more hopeful fact about age discrimination in the U.S., as it shows how the legal remedies for the victims of discrimination can and do work.
Contact an Atlanta Employment Lawyer at the Law Firm of Barrett & Farahany, LLP, LLP
If you have been the subject of workplace age discrimination – or any type of discrimination or harassment at work, you can turn to an experienced Atlanta employment lawyer at the Law Firm of Barrett & Farahany, LLP, LLP for aggressive legal advocacy and the highest quality legal services.
To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, contact us today by calling (404) 238-7299 or by emailing us using the contact form at the bottom of this screen.
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