Perceived age discrimination: what is the workplace experience?

Purpose This study aims to investigate the existence of perceived discrimination as a covert form of discrimination present in the workplace and its relationship to age and gender in the context of the UK financial services industry. Design/methodology/approach This study used and validated the Workplace Age Discrimination Scale (WADS) to identify perceived age and gender discrimination in the workplace. The study used the results from WADS quantitative survey of 168 financial services industry employees to measure the extent of perceived age discrimination. Findings This study evidences that in the organisations researched there is a higher degree of perceived discrimination for younger workers which significantly decreases with age, while perceived gender discrimination in women is constant throughout their careers. Originality/value This research paper proves that the concept of perceived discrimination as a covert form of discrimination regardless of age or gender is present in the UK financial services industry.