UK workers nearing 50 worry AI hiring filters may block older applicants

In short: More people may need to work longer for retirement, but older jobseekers say AI-based hiring tools and human bias can make that harder.

What's going on

A Financial Times opinion column warns that ageism, unfair treatment based on age, is becoming a bigger risk for retirement plans, especially for Generation X. This comes as the UK government is considering moving the state pension age increase from 67 to 68 earlier, which would affect about 5 million people aged 49 to 55.

The column highlights the case of Stacey Duguid, a 52-year-old former fashion editor. She said she has sent hundreds of job applications over about 16 months and most got no reply. After hearing from others, she removed signs of her age from her CV and cut 20 years of experience, hoping to get past automated recruitment systems (software that filters candidates like a bouncer at a club door).

Some jobseekers believe these systems screen out older applicants. The column argues the software often reflects the preferences of people who design or use it, rather than being neutral.

The piece also points to a shift toward self-employment among older workers. UK data cited in the column says 48% of self-employed people are 50 or older, the highest share in a decade.

What to watch

If more people must work into their late 60s, career planning may matter as much as pension saving. Watch for employers changing screening rules, offering retraining, and for public pressure to limit age bias in automated hiring.

Source: Financial Times