Channel 4 probes ageism in accounting profession

A TV investigation into age discrimination will feature a 56-year-old accountant competing against his 25-year-old daughter to see who gets the most job offers.

Dispatches on Channel 4 next Monday will feature Martin Lloyd-Penny, founder of the Mature Accountant recruitment agency, working alongside his daughter Tanne to reveal whether employment agencies discriminate against older applicants.

‘If you are well qualified and over 50, don’t lose your job,’ Lloyd-Penny told Accountancy Age. ‘Certainly don’t pin your hopes on the big high street recruitment agencies bailing you out unless you are very lucky. A statement from Dispatches said: ‘The investigation reveals that being “older” – or even just over 45 years old – is a risk in the workplace. Older workers are more likely to lose their jobs and fail to secure another position.’