2 in 3 white collar workers over the age of 55 have been overlooked for a promotion in the last year, while over a third of under 30s have received a promotion, a report from recruitment consultancy Robert Walters has found.

The data found that in spite of a fiercely competitive hiring market, over 50s are being overlooked for promotion in favour of much younger and less experienced workers.

Chris Poole, UK managing director at Robert Walters, said: “With professional job vacancies continuing to climb at near-record levels, causing a severe skills shortage, we cannot afford to overlook such a crucial part of our workforce.”

“Workers over the age of 50 come with bags of experience both professional and personal, and have a well-sought after resilience to economic upheaval considering the number of financial or political changes they have weathered in their career.”

62% of over 55s have been overlooked for promotion within their current company, report from Robert Walters finds.

In a survey of 6,000 professionals, a third of over 55’s stated that they are not at all aware of what they need to do to receive a promotion.

Robert Walters’ research also showed that a fifth of workers in their 50s feel their manager does not take the time to understand their personal challenges.

According to the research, the main challenge for over-50s progressing in their career is a lack of opportunities, which 41 per cent stated to be the case.

The Office for National Statistics estimate that over 50s will soon account for three quarters of the UK’s unemployment figures, with 45 per cent of this demographic actively looking for part-time or freelance roles over full time work.

Over 55s frequently overlooked for promotions, report from Robert Walters finds