20% of firms do not hire the over 50s

Polish companies are not eager to employ people over 50 years old, a recent survey by Work Service showed. Over 20 percent of the employers surveyed said they do not hire those who are aged 50 and above, additionally, only 12 percent of the respondents is planning to increase the current number of employees in this age group. "In the coming years this trend will have to be changed, because without the involvement of seniors in the labor market, Poland's economy can not manage by itself. The Central Statistical Office's data shows that Polish society is one of the fastest ageing societies in Europe," Maciej Witucki, CEO at Work Service pointed out. Polish employers appreciate the experience (46 percent), engagement (33 percent) and sense of responsibility (30 percent) as well as availability (31 percent)of their employees aged above 50, the survey also indicated.