Banning ‘age’ words only reinforces stereotypes

I agree with the recruitment agencies that have slammed the ban on words that could risk breaching age discrimination laws (Personnel Today, 24 October).

Rather than working towards breaking down age discrimination, banning the use of words such as dynamic, ambitious, mature and energetic (the list is endless) reinforces the cultural stereotypes attached to them. I am an energetic, youthful and certainly ambitious 48-year-old.

Five years ago, I was a recent graduate (ie, a mature, older student). On the course, younger students sometimes displayed their maturity (I’m pleased to say) and, at times, we mature students appeared more vibrant.

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

Email(Required)

OptOut

From time to time, we will send you emails about selected products, events and services from Personnel Today - but you can choose to opt-out at any time. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please tick this box.

Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

So, rather than banning the use of these words, we should all really think about what they mean, what they say about us, and, more importantly, what qualities we are looking for when we use them in recruitment.

Josie Hawkes
Manager, Back to Work Assistance