Recent research by Hitwise has shown that the 55+ group are set to replace the 35 – 44 year olds as the largest share of internet users.

The report shows that money matters, travel and news are the most popular sites visited.

Based upon my own personal observations of a number of people in this age group this is what they are using the internet for:

• E-mail - keeping in touch with kids, grandkids and family
• Digital picture sharing - sending/receiving pictures
• E-commerce – on a budget this group can be savvy purchasers so they use comparison sites to rate products and compare prices. Many still then purchase in the High Street but increasing numbers are then buying online.
• Travel – cheap flights and time rich they want to ‘see the world’ before getting too old so are putting a package of hotels and flights online. The better off are cruising.
• News – keeping in touch is important and more are using this rather than newspapers as an information source
• Hobbies – many have interests to keep the active mentally and physically and they will visit targeted web sites
• Financial information – many track stock markets or other financial news as they are focussed on their pensions and income as they are retired, semi retired or close to retirement

Session: HRM Conference ‘Managing the Employment Relationship’, 4^th April 2007, Westminster Business School

Presenter: Peter Winfield

Subject:  ‘Implications for Employers of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006'

Synopsis: This regulation joins previous Race and Sex legislation in providing comprehensive employee rights. Covers both the hiring process and in-employment (full and part time) treatment such as access to training and promotional opportunities. Applies equally to young and old who feel promotion, re-numeration or training is blocked due to age.

Points of note:

• Effective October 1^st 2006
• Knowledge of Regulation is still very low
• Final strand of EC Equal Treatment in Employment & Occupation Framework 2000
• Indirect discrimination through requirement of x years experience where cannot be shown a legitimate requirement is illegal  
• Need for companies to train all staff who are involved in the recruitment process of staff to avoid potential breach.
• All aspects need to be covered including adverts (including images used), pre-screening and interviewing techniques and questions used
• Line managers most exposed
• Review job descriptions – focus on job content and objective selection criteria. Is length of experience necessary or range and depth of experience?

My take away: Biggest risk to companies is lack of understanding and appreciation of Regulations scope by hiring managers. Habit and practice will cause breach. With an ageing population and workforce organisations need to review job requirement specification.