How I was discriminated against
My last permanent contract (agency), was lost due to a work colleague making working conditions unbearable, to the point i was not getting the rest I needed as a (hgv driver), so I went on sick leave. I was dismissed before my year contract was up and didn't have a leg to stand on.
I scrimped and scraped to pay bills, ending up signing up for the dole (temp) until some more agency work came along. Full time work is not an option as I am asked my age and I know instantly it's an issue....WHY? I am knowledgeable, I get the job done and I don't complain. I am 56
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
It's degrading, as I have always worked. I feel like a scrounger or am made to feel like one, maybe that's just my self respect being tested.
Signing on even for a few short months messes everything up, because while you are signing, there's not enough money to pay mortgages, feed yourself properly or just simply do something outside of the home.
It doesn't help at all.
Lessons Learned
- I am still applying for work, temp or permanent.
- If an agency feel I am good enough to be on their payroll, then that's at least something, but unfortunately I need something more permanent to keep my head above water.
- Age shouldn't be an issue, especially at this difficult time.
- I don't know how to approach the employer's issue (age related) but can only assure that I am still in employment, therefore employable.
