Job anxiety is prevalent as artificial intelligence, or AI, is increasingly being used in hiring processes, leading to concerns that it may be inadvertently discriminating against older job seekers. Reports suggest that AI algorithms are rejecting applications based on age, a phenomenon that echoes past employment struggles in the United Kingdom and could be a growing issue in the United States.
The desperation of being unable to find work is no longer confined to specific demographics or historical narratives. While in the 1980s, job losses were largely linked to the decline of heavy industry and impacted male-dominated sectors, current trends indicate a shift. AI is increasingly being deployed in service roles, and research suggests women may be particularly vulnerable as back-office, part-time, and mid-level administrative positions, often held by women, are susceptible to automation.
A City of London Corporation investigation found that women in tech and financial services face a higher risk of job displacement due to AI compared to their male counterparts. However, age discrimination is not limited to mid-life professional women. Men also report experiencing age bias in the job market, and even younger generations, despite being digital natives, are not immune, with a significant number of 16 to 24-year-olds categorized as NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
The issue of joblessness is often framed as an individual challenge, a sentiment that can lead to feelings of personal shame among those struggling to find employment, even when broader economic forces are at play. With a substantial number of people unemployed and economically inactive, there is a call for governments to prioritize job creation and support.
While addressing the global impact of job-displacing AI may be complex, policymakers could focus on mitigating the rising costs imposed on employers. Business leaders have voiced concerns that increased employment costs, such as higher wages and benefits, are straining their ability to hire and retain staff. Some calculations show a significant rise in the cost of employing younger workers over the past decade, with even higher increases for those aged 21 and above. This financial pressure on businesses could limit job growth and exacerbate unemployment challenges.