In Azerbaijan, people aged 40 and older find it difficult to find work. Because employers have age-related requirements. We often see this demand in job advertisements. Typically, ads look for workers under 35 years of age. However, under Azerbaijani law, age discrimination is officially prohibited. If we take into account that there are a large number of people of working age over 35 years of age, we can see that the magnitude of the problem is quite large. But what are the solutions to this situation? What measures should state authorities take in this direction? What should middle-aged citizens do to remain competitive in the job market?
“Caspian” newspaper article on the subject.
“Diversification of the economy is important”
According to Professor Elshad Mammadov, president of the Public Council under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the difficulties in finding work from a certain age are related to the structure of the economy: “If the economy is not sufficiently diversified, if there are no required development indicators in areas related to high-tech processing, labor problems are emerging in the market. I believe that we should achieve diversification of the economy. At the same time, this should lead to business and economic activity. creates an opportunity to create new jobs and provide a corresponding boost in the market.”
“It is not right to blame businessmen”
Specialist Fakhri Agayev believes that it is not correct to blame entrepreneurs for this matter: “I suggest that we analyze the issue from the point of view of companies and take a person with an average age of 35. An important part of the people who When they reach this age, they become physically and psychologically worse, and family and domestic concerns increase. In addition, a 35-year-old person does not have modern knowledge and skills due to lack of time and energy for their development and development. has a narrow perspective may also feel anxious about following a younger leader. A person eager to prove themselves, willing to spend more time working for less. Isn’t it natural for companies to make decisions in this regard?
“We must not forget that there is competition”
According to the expert, after a certain age, some points that seem like advantages actually hold back: “One of the objections is that older people become professionals and have a lot of life experience. Unfortunately, these two points that seem like advantages are actually , weaknesses and setbacks. A significant part of people consider doing the same actions and working for years. In the modern and rapidly changing world, life experience shows a conservative position and I think this is not well received by people. In creating this situation, one should not relax at an age or a work stage and one should dedicate time, energy and resources to personal and professional development, without forgetting that one is always in competition.”
“The least responsibility belongs to the private and business sector”
According to F. Agayev, the role and responsibility of the State in eliminating this situation is great: “I believe that state institutions should implement stimulus measures so that employers hire people over 35 years of age. They must be supported so that they have new knowledge and skills in accordance with market requirements The private sector and companies are the least responsible for this situation, because the company wants to hire people who benefit it in the most effective way to maintain its true competitive power.
Unevenly distributed workforce
Chairman of the executive committee of the “League for the Protection of Labor Rights of Citizens” Sahib Mammadov claims that the problem is not related to age. According to him, the mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market makes it difficult for people to find work: “The labor force in Azerbaijan is geographically distributed unevenly. It can be said that most jobs are concentrated in Baku and Absheron For example, around 63 percent of the medical and pedagogical staff are located in these areas. That is why it is difficult to find work in large cities. At the same time, 64 percent of the population is under 40 years old. an issue that European countries would envy: the population is aging. There is a difference between the needs of the labor market and the number of workers. That’s why businessmen make a decision.”
There is always work for professionals.
S. Mammadov emphasizes that, in fact, an employer looking for qualified personnel hires an employee regardless of his age: “It is true that the age limit for working in budgetary organizations is 65 years. In some exceptional cases, this age limit can be increased But after 60, it is a bit difficult for the state to get a job in the private sector. There are tens of thousands of vacancies in the private sector, even if they are looking for high-paid personnel, they are not found. 40 years, why shouldn’t the factory hire him?
S. Mammadov also notes that the relevant state institutions are trying to support citizens who cannot find work: “For example, the State Employment Center organizes certain vocational courses. Self-employment programs are implemented in the country. Measures are taken to guarantee the active employment of citizens who cannot find work. However, despite this, the unemployment rate remains high.”
