Case study

J D Wetherspoon

Wetherspoon is a pub company with more than 650 outlets throughout the UK. They’ve started to rethink their recruitment strategy, look at where and how they advertise, and take account of age demographics.

Employing a diverse workforce of men and women of all ages benefits individual pubs and the company as a whole.

Sarah Carter, recruitment manager

OUR AGE POSITIVE GOOD PRACTICE:

Pub Managers oversee the majority of recruitment at bar staff level. Wetherspoons have taken steps to explain to managers the importance of age diversity and non-discriminatory employment practices in their recruitment guide. There is a rigid recruitment process to follow, with job descriptions at every level – all based on skills and competencies.

Wetherspoon have revised all their job specifications so they are in line with good practice on age diversity and are now re-writing their interviewing skills courses to address the issues of age diversity and age discrimination. Wetherspoon offer flexible working hours, and aim to attract diverse ages; people can fit in with different hours and strike a balance between work and family or other issues.

“I am able to work really flexible hours. I'm in my second year at University and work around my timetable during term-time. Then during the holidays I have been able to increase my hours to full-time.” - Andy Dawson (23), Team Leader

Training is available at all levels and Wetherspoon have a number of employees who are over 50 and have progressed to manager level.

“As Pub Managers in a very busy trade, we also have the time and flexibility to spend with our family. Being more experienced in life certainly helps with this job and gives you the confidence to tackle all problems. - Anne and Paul, (52 and 54), Pub Managers.

The retirement age at Wetherspoon is currently 65 years. However, there are plans to review this and potentially remove it. Meanwhile, employees can work past 65 and this is considered on an individual basis.

Archie Denny, one of the Bar Associates, is 62 and has a great rapport with customers, including the ones who seem to be more comfortable talking to staff their own age. 80 year old Stan is a Wetherspoon Administration Clerk. “I have always risen early, a habit not easily broken,” he explains. “I do gardening only on sufferance and what I really needed was a good reason to get up and go - although I didn’t fancy working a full day.”

Now Stan works in the Post Room doing half days - and has the time to relax in the afternoons. “I’ve never regretted it - cheers !”

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