Australian Employers Exclude Key Groups

0:00From the streets of Sydney to the world, this is Sydney News Today. A new survey by the Australian HR Institute reveals that seven and ten employers exclude job candidates from key groups, such as those over 55, living with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions, the poll reached more than 600 business leaders and senior HR decision makers. One-third admitted passing over applicants with mental illness, 29 percent rejected those with long-term illnesses, and 19 percent. Avoid it candidates with disabilities, or those age 55 and older. Career coaches and recruiters have blasted the results as disgusting, pointing to deep-rooted biases that shrink talent pools and harm diversity. Mental health advocates say it shows entrenched prejudice, forcing capable workers to hide their stories just to get a fair shot. Legally, employers cannot ask about mental health or personal history and candidates do not have to share it. One job seeker who disclosed his condition

1:01found doors slamming shut, even with strong qualifications, leading him to stop volunteering the information. Meanwhile, calls grow for tougher laws. Like a positive duty requiring companies to build anti-biased systems, recruiters push anonymized resumes to curb unconscious preferences, urging focus on skills over personal details. This story is made possible by our sponsor, See the episode description. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow built for comfort and calm, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.