Minimum age limit for job?

durham_girl

In my local shop window I've just seen an ad for a job which would be perfect for me, BUT they have specified that applicants must be a minimum of 30 years old, meaning I, at 27 am not old enough. I was under the impression that this was not allowed for most jobs. The job isn't to do with anything age related, just making deliveries.

So, are they allowed to specifiy a minimum age for applicants?

Lokolo

They can't ask for age but they can ask for experience which in some cases stops people too young applying.

Take your age/DOB off your C.V. and apply, see what happens. But I can't imagine an employer being decent if they are asking for applicants to be over 30!

ovoreo

I thought the genuine occupational qualification (ie you must be male/female, over 65, etc) had been done away with but it must still exist (ie if you need an actor to play the role of a grandad, then well you need a male of a certain age!). Employers frequently misunderstand this. Ie. a retail store for young menswear recruits for young men as the employer feels that is who customers will want to be served by. That really doesn't matter. A woman, older man etc could perform the role. I'd pop in and ask why over 30. I can't think of anything and I'm curious!!

ovoreo

Just a thought - if its for deliveries - maybe something driving licence related? But thats usually 21 years old. Or maybe it has to do with their insurance for covering drivers? Of course that is an awful excuse and I doubt would be accepted in court.

anamenottaken

ovoreo wrote: »

Just a thought - if its for deliveries - maybe something driving licence related? But thats usually 21 years old. Or maybe it has to do with their insurance for covering drivers? Of course that is an awful excuse and I doubt would be accepted in court.

Why would the extra cost to the employer be an "awful excuse"?

KiKi

durham_girl wrote: »

So, are they allowed to specifiy a minimum age for applicants?

I'm 99% certain that they can only do that if it's directly specific to the essential requirements for the job (eg, you have to be 21 to get certain licences).

If they want certain experience, then they can specify that, but age is no indicator of experience. Find out why, then challenge it if it's not job-specific!

HTH
KiKi

DCFC79

Apply as been mentioned and see what happens, but remove any mention of your age, if you feel your a good match and there hasnt been a small number or no applicants then you might be in with a chance

durham_girl

Thanks everyone, I'll give them a bell tomorrow and enquire why the age restriction. Will update for the curious!

dickydonkin

durham_girl wrote: »

Thanks everyone, I'll give them a bell tomorrow and enquire why the age restriction. Will update for the curious!

The only issue I could foresee by questioning the job specs is that the employer might disregard your application due to being perceived as a troublemaker.

It is possible as already suggested that it may be insurance related if the role requires you to drive a company vehicle although even for very large vehicles, 25 years of age is usually the minimum.

There are some roles that are exempt from Equality (age) regulations but I fail to see how this one can be 'objectively justified' in specifying an age limit.

Give them a ring - but don't give your name in case you do indeed decide to apply.