IT USED to be said that people in their forties were in the prime of their life -- now a new report out this week reveals that the corporate scrapheap beckons at the ripe old age of 42.

The study by employment consultants, Sanders & Sidney, shows that job applications over that age face rejection, no matter how good they are or what qualifications or experience they hold.

Ten or more years ago, such discrimination seldom started until workers reached their fifties, but now the early forties -- just when commitments are at their highest -- are the age at which work prospects become more fragile.

This revelation is certain to reignite calls for stiffer laws to ban ageism. So, reporter Shaun Gibbons and photographer John Ellis went out on to the streets of Chorley to speak to a few 'spring chickens'.

Francis Taylor, 68, from Clayton Gate, Coppull, says in her experience it does not matter how old you are.

She said: "I don't really know much about this study, but it seems to me that even young people in their teens and early twenties can't find jobs, never mind people aged 40 or older.

"But I do sort of agree, there is ageism and discrimination in the workplace. And it's probably going to get a lot worse." Pat Halton, 52, from Lawrence Road, Chorley, says she has indirectly experienced discrimination after her 40-year-old husband found it difficult to get work.

She said: "I will say that there is discrimination when it comes to getting or applying for jobs.

"My husband is 40 and he found it really difficult to get a job."

Alan Flemming, 48, a Big Issue seller based in Bolton, agrees with the report's findings that ageism and discrimination do exist -- and will probably continue.

He said: "When employees get to the ripe old age of 40, employers just don't want to know them. They could probably have better qualifications and better life-experience than younger people, but that's just totally overlooked.

"It's a sad state of affairs really when 40-year-olds are given the push in favour of younger people."

Finally, Kelly Morgan, 18, from Chorley, believes that if people are fit enough to work, then they should be given the chance.

She said: "It's a bit sad to hear that people in their forties are being pushed out of work. I think that if people are fit enough to work, then they should, regardless of how old they are."

If you have any views or comments, or have experienced discrimination or ageism yourself, why not drop us a line at the Chorley Citizen newsdesk, 45-47 Pall Mall, Chorley. PR7 3LT. Or e-mail <a href="http://email sgibbons@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk">sgibbons@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk</a>

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