Age Discrimination in a site based Workplace Literature review

Age Discrimination in a site based Workplace - Literature review Example nal Statistics (2008), there is an increasing trend in the number of workers aged above 50 years in the construction industry, and this number is likely to account for 30% of the total working population in this industry by the year 2020. Maurer & Rafuse (2001) observe that age has had a significant impact on the chances of people aged more than 55 years seeking employment in the UK. Most of the construction companies presume that younger and energetic people have a greater capacity to accomplish tasks and bring in new knowledge in the industry (Bendick et al. 2001). Nevertheless, it is important to note that the aging generation has significant experience to contribute to the industry. Martin et al. (2003) argues that to avoid age discrimination in the construction industry, the thought of where and how to advertise is important to ensure that different age groups are reached. Sometimes the aged are discouraged from seeking employment due to the use of advertisement language such as â€Å"recent graduate† which disregards the experienced labour force. On the other hand, some advertisements suppress the hopes of the younger energetic labour force through the use of words such as â€Å"mature† or â€Å"15 years experience† and many other words that discriminate applicants on the basis of age (Office of National Statistics 2008). Even though some tasks may require experience, some employers in the construction industry are not specific with regard to the job’s requirements. Martin et al. (2003) observes that different age groups can be offered equal opportunity if the experience needed is substitutable with equivalent qualifications. This allows the experienced older members in the labor force to match their younger qualified counterparts in applying for the job. Maurer & Rafuse (2001) argue that age is usually not a good sign of great potential among workers. Studies have proved that different people in different age groups have strong characteristics that are