ROOT
Are older Aussies’ jobs threatened by COVID-19?
Mature workers are likely to have negative outcomes in the workplace, including poorer conditions and an increased likelihood of being made redundant, a workplace compensation lawyer explains.
Are older Aussies’ jobs threatened by COVID-19?
Mature workers are likely to have negative outcomes in the workplace, including poorer conditions and an increased likelihood of being made redundant, a workplace compensation lawyer explains.
Gold Coast community issues lawyer Bruce Simmonds said he’s had calls from mature-age workers dumped from their jobs as firms shut down or retrench due to COVID-19, and this has led to more unemployed people competing for fewer jobs.
Mr Simmonds highlighted “an issue nobody wants to admit to”, but he said every year he has multiple claims or inquiries from mature-age workers dumped from their jobs.
“Too often, our mature workers are exploited and mistreated by employers and, sadly, the coronavirus upheavals have been used as an excuse by some employers to either dump staff or exploit them,” he noted.
Age discrimination in the workforce continues in 2020, Mr Simmonds said, with mature-age workers often being the largest group on Newstart, or JobSeeker — as it is currently known.
“I have had quite a number of clients, all late 50s or in their 60s, made redundant from previous jobs and needing to stay in the workforce. There are agencies that score thousands of dollars in government incentives to place these people in new jobs, but too often, the new jobs are a nightmare for the worker,” he said.
The lawyer highlighted the potential this has on fair work practices, with older Australians not being able to complain if they receive poorer conditions.
“If the worker complains, they are sacked or threatened with the sack, knowing it can be hard for older workers to find a new job. Intimidation is used to silence them. Older workers are the people with the least rights in the workforce and generally the unions can’t or won’t do anything to help them.”
Mr Simmonds believes there is a changing demographic when it comes to unfair dismissal claims.
He said: “The age group for such claims now is much older. In the past you’d see them for 30- to 40-year-olds, now its people in their late 50s and 60s.
“Because of age and injury, they’re the first to go in a shake-up. Also mature workers sometimes have injuries just starting to show because of age aggravation of pre-existing degenerative conditions. The older we are, the less we bounce.”
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Earn
Australian employment data shows mixed signals as full-time jobs rise despite overall decline
Australia's employment landscape presented mixed signals in May, with overall employment declining despite a strong rise in full-time positions, according to analysis of the latest Labour Force dataRead more
Earn
Millennials face 'generational squeeze' as most vulnerable group in retirement
Millennials will be the most vulnerable demographic to face the "generational squeeze" in retirement, caught between supporting elderly parents and adult children while funding their own later years, ...Read more
Earn
Top workplaces for women in 2025 highlight progress in gender equity and inclusive leadership
Australia’s top workplaces for women in 2025 have been announced, recognising companies that are leading the way in gender equity, flexible work arrangements and inclusive leadership development. Read more
Earn
Employee satisfaction dips as Australian workplaces tackle retention challenges
Australian workplace satisfaction has declined to 78 per cent as companies grapple with economic pressures and changing work dynamics, according to a new report. Read more
Earn
Simplify your finances: The benefits of debt consolidation loans in Australia
In an era where managing multiple debts has become a common financial challenge for many Australians, debt consolidation loans emerge as a practical solution to streamline finances and regain controlRead more
Earn
Long-term welfare dependency declines despite rise in JobSeeker recipients
New research from e61 Institute has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, the number of people reliant on the benefit system in Australia has declined over the past two decades, despite an ...Read more
Earn
Best property investment strategies in Australia for 2024: An expert's perspective
As the Australian property market continues to evolve, investors are keenly looking for strategies that will yield the best returns in 2024. Read more
Earn
Innovative tax saving techniques for individuals and families
Tax time can be daunting for many Australians, but with some innovative planning and smart strategies, individuals and families can maximise their tax savings. Read more
Earn
Australian employment data shows mixed signals as full-time jobs rise despite overall decline
Australia's employment landscape presented mixed signals in May, with overall employment declining despite a strong rise in full-time positions, according to analysis of the latest Labour Force dataRead more
Earn
Millennials face 'generational squeeze' as most vulnerable group in retirement
Millennials will be the most vulnerable demographic to face the "generational squeeze" in retirement, caught between supporting elderly parents and adult children while funding their own later years, ...Read more
Earn
Top workplaces for women in 2025 highlight progress in gender equity and inclusive leadership
Australia’s top workplaces for women in 2025 have been announced, recognising companies that are leading the way in gender equity, flexible work arrangements and inclusive leadership development. Read more
Earn
Employee satisfaction dips as Australian workplaces tackle retention challenges
Australian workplace satisfaction has declined to 78 per cent as companies grapple with economic pressures and changing work dynamics, according to a new report. Read more
Earn
Simplify your finances: The benefits of debt consolidation loans in Australia
In an era where managing multiple debts has become a common financial challenge for many Australians, debt consolidation loans emerge as a practical solution to streamline finances and regain controlRead more
Earn
Long-term welfare dependency declines despite rise in JobSeeker recipients
New research from e61 Institute has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, the number of people reliant on the benefit system in Australia has declined over the past two decades, despite an ...Read more
Earn
Best property investment strategies in Australia for 2024: An expert's perspective
As the Australian property market continues to evolve, investors are keenly looking for strategies that will yield the best returns in 2024. Read more
Earn
Innovative tax saving techniques for individuals and families
Tax time can be daunting for many Australians, but with some innovative planning and smart strategies, individuals and families can maximise their tax savings. Read more
