Mallorca jobs: over-50s get 18.1% of new contracts

On the island of Mallorca, people over 50 account for 45.8% of those out of work but receive only 18.1% of new contracts. The People's Party (PP) group at the Council of Mallorca will take a motion against age discrimination, also known as ageism, to the council's plenary sitting next Thursday. It wants Spain's government to bring in targeted measures to improve older people's chances of finding work.

PP spokeswoman Núria Riera said age discrimination remains too widely accepted, appearing in employment, healthcare, social participation and everyday language. The problem is sharper for people over 55, she said, while women account for 60% of senior unemployment.

Calls for older workers to be hired

The motion urges the government to run campaigns presenting older people positively and encouraging respect between generations. It also proposes incentives for businesses to hire older workers.

The PP wants ongoing training, particularly in digital skills, better matched to the needs of the labour market. It also backs mentoring schemes to pass knowledge and experience between generations.

Motion goes before the council

Maria Garrido, the PP's councillor-elect at the Council of Mallorca, will present the motion at the plenary sitting. She said tackling ageism means recognising what older people contribute, arguing that experience is an asset that businesses and society should not waste.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Health · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com