The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has released a report highlighting the impact and potential economic costs of age discrimination in the ICT workforce.

The Improving Age Diversity in the ICT Workforce Report reveals Australia’s mature age participation rate is below that of comparable countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States - with perceptions of skills obsolescence a key factor in workplace discrimination against older workers within this country.

The report, released by the ACS Ageism Task Force, outlines the significant underuse of older workers aged 45 years and older in the ICT workforce despite a protracted period of skills shortages.

ACS CEO, Bruce Lakin said: “Ageism is a growing reality in Australia - but so is an increasing awareness that workers 45 years and older represent a resource and knowledge base we need to continue to reinvest in.

“While age discrimination can be difficult to prove, its existence, increasing pervasiveness and negative impacts on mature workers and the workplace in general is undeniable.”

Mr Lakin said age discrimination created unacceptable levels of unemployment and underemployment amongst those over 45 years, as well as social and psychological costs.

“With reported skill shortages within the Australian ICT sector, the underemployment of older workers is a problem which demands significant focus. I thank Brenda Aynsley, VP Membership Boards, Chair of ACS Ageism Task Force and her team for their input to the Report,” he added.

The report offers recommendations for governments, employers and recruiters to address misconceptions around older workers and to implement programs to draw on the wealth of ICT skills currently available within this section of our workforce.

Recommendations include: introducing a self regulatory code of practice in this area for the ICT sector, and collaboration between government, industry and the Human Rights Commission to create attitudinal change amongst Australian employers.

ACS President, Anthony Wong said the Government’s policy to encourage workers to remain in the workforce beyond their traditional retirement age, combined with the increasing demands on the technology sector, should provide a powerful incentive to reverse this negative dynamic.

To view the full report, click here