Ageism Claimed by Bidford Woman Despite Master’s and Experience

A woman named Lisa Stewart lives in Bidford. She thinks ageism affects her job search. Lisa sent many job applications over one year. Fifty-six-year-old Lisa has a master’s degree. She has thirty years of job experience.

Finding work has been nearly impossible for Lisa. She worked at a big NHS hospital and her medical secretary job lasted twelve years. Potential employers do not always reply, and she emailed forty agencies around Stratford. She also searched in Alcester, Evesham, and Worcester.

Lisa applied for thirty jobs on Indeed’s website. She contacted care homes and schools directly, and charities also received her applications. Only one or two places ever responded, and none of them offered Lisa an interview.

This makes Lisa feel very discouraged. She thinks employers should reply to her, even a short “no” would be helpful. Many office jobs exist near Stratford, and Lisa thinks her age is the problem, though she doesn’t list it, they can guess.

Lisa said she works hard at any admin job. She also knows others face similar struggles, noting that other people her age cannot find jobs. They share her frustration with ageism.

Lisa moved back to Warwickshire a few years ago. She lived in Bristol for over twelve years before. Lisa is a qualified arts and drama therapist, and the Chamber of Commerce supports Lisa now, offering workshops to help her.

The government says there are skill shortages and wants older workers to return to work. Data says employment is high for ages fifty to sixty-four. Yet older workers face challenges in training, and re-entering work is harder for them.

Keely Hancox works at the Chamber of Commerce. She states employers need more workers, emphasizing that no group should be excluded from jobs. People over fifty offer vast experience, possessing valuable skills for employers.

Life expectancy has become very high, and the number of pensioners grows quickly. A strong workforce supports older populations, but current support forgets older entrepreneurs’ needs. Older workers often take jobs below their skills.

The Chamber works with Dr. Isabella Moore. They aim to support older workers better, and Dr. Moore studied entrepreneurship in older adults. She created the “Later Creator” program, which the Chamber supports as well.

They think older people are an untapped market. Those over fifty benefit economically. Lisa wants to hear other over fifty stories, hoping for a dialogue. This discussion would involve both older people and employers.