It was a case of discrimin-age-in.
A UK company has been shamed online for including a “preferred age” on a job listing, with critics calling it tone-deaf and “discriminatory.” A screenshot of the controversial requirement is going viral on LinkedIn.
“Welcome to hiring in 2025,” social media consultant and job influencer Lauren Spearman captioned the post. “Let me highlight The Equality Act 2010, which means this kind of discrimination is illegal.”
The company, Greg Williams Photography Unlimited, was reportedly seeking a full-time photo assistant based in London with the ability to travel abroad regularly, according to Jam Press.
While the ad bulletin named the usual details, including start date, work hours and location, it raised eyebrows after naming a rather bizarre condition under its “What We’re Looking For” section.
“Mid to late 20s preferred, with a working knowledge of the industry,” the listing read.
Viewers were quick to rip the company with one writing: “The ick I just got. It’s like a casting call.”
“Sorry, what?! I’d love to know the reasoning behind his ‘preference,’” scoffed another.
“Experience in…Experience in…Lots and lots of experience…But also, please be 24,” snarked a third, ridiculing the seemingly paradoxical requirements.
The seemingly ageist preference wasn’t the only problematic part of the ad, which also stated that the gig wouldn’t help them advance in the field.
“This role is suited to someone who is committed to supporting an established photographer — it is not a stepping stone to a photography career,” the listing read. “The right candidate will take pride in enabling and enhancing the creative output of the lead rather than seeking personal recognition or a front-facing creative role themselves.”
One appalled commenter wrote: “I particularly liked the bit about enhancing the creative output of the lead…but don’t seek recognition for it.”
“You need years of experience in photography, but it’s not a stepping stone for a photography career?” another seconded. “Who would this suit?! I don’t get it.”
A spokesperson for Greg Williams Photography Limited, which is holding interviews for the position this week, has since issued a mea culpa over the questionable requirement.
“We accept that the wording of a recent job advert was inappropriate and could be seen as age-discriminatory,” they said. “We apologize unreservedly.”
The rep added that they took the ad down as soon as the issue was broached and updated their “internal processes to ensure our recruitment is inclusive of candidates of all ages.”
Employment-based ageism isn’t just a problem across the pond, apparently.
A disillusioned Gen Xer went viral after ripping the current state of the US job market, claiming that despite having skills and experience, he believes his age now disqualifies him from traditional employment.
“I may never ever get hired again,” Bradley Richardson, a 58-year-old who now peddles “adulting” courses online, said in an Instagram video. “The fact of the matter is I very likely have aged out.”
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