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20 March 2006 - Age Discrimination
Perception Sees Rise in Plastic Surgery
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Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic
Surgeons (BAAPS) have shown a rise of 40% in anti-ageing treatments due to
facial ageing workers' perception of not being respected, or able to advance
their chosen career, because they look older.
Although the EU Employment Framework for age discrimination, due
to be implemented in October 2006, will make it illegal to discriminate against
age, psychologists say older workers now feel that looking older means less
respect in a competitive work environment.
Reports from renowned cosmetic surgery organisations show the
following trends:
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Eyelid surgery to remove wrinkled skin and bags around the eyes
increased by 50%.
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Brow lifts increased by 35%.
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The Harley Medical Group report "silver surgery" to be booming.
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The proportion of 50-year-olds having surgery in The Harley
Medical Group clinics has quadrupled in the past five years. Almost
half of those people said they wanted to remain a player in the workplace.
Dr Norman Waterhouse, a Harley Street face-lift specialist with
28 years' experience, said:
"Policewomen and teachers come to me. People who would not
have come to me 15 or 20 years ago are now requesting treatments.
"We are all going to be working longer. As we get older we all have to make sure
we are presentable. Where once we would have had a haircut, we now consider
surgery as a realistic option."
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) carried out a recent study on age
discrimination and reported the following:
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More than half of respondents felt they had been personally
disadvantaged at work because of age discrimination.
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39% believed that their chances of promotion had been hindered
by age discrimination.
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Staff between the ages of 30 and 39 were considered to have the
best promotion prospects.
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Opportunities fell sharply for the over-50s.
Blaming the rise in plastic surgery face-lifts on psychology in business and
impression management, Professor Chris Warhurst of Strathclyde Business School
said:
"The business press exhorts professionals to look their best. This used
to mean dress, body language and comportment, and plastic surgery is an
extension of that.
"While youth and good looks are important in services that have direct
contact with customers, the effects are discernible across all occupations."
Further information on the Age Discrimination Legislation can be
accessed from the DTI Website, by clicking the following:
DTI Employment Relations
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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