The number of unemployed people aged 55 and over in the Czech Republic crossed the 84,200 mark at the end of September, representing a staggering 14,300 increase—more than 20 percent—in just one year. This demographic now makes up nearly a quarter of all registered jobseekers, a proportion that has also grown.The situation is similarly concerning for those aged 50-54, whose unemployment numbers rose from 32,000 to 37,200.
“Long-term unemployment among people over fifty can lead to loss of self-confidence, deteriorating quality of life, worsening health, and even radicalization of political views,” warns Jana Pikardová, manager of the Neviditelní (Invisible) project, which focuses on vulnerable population groups.The data paints a sobering picture: people over fifty typically spend 300 days on unemployment registers—the second-longest duration after people with disabilities, who average 400 days.
The root of the problem lies in persistent employer bias. “People over fifty face numerous prejudices in the job market, particularly regarding technology use, health, and flexibility,” explains Kateřina Budínová from the Labor Office.Lenka Desatová, chair of the Council of Seniors, is even more blunt: “Companies’ attitudes toward older employees haven’t changed at all over the years. They outwardly proclaim that age isn’t a barrier, but in practice it’s quite different.”
Yet this demographic often possesses exactly what employers claim to value: strong work habits, extensive experience, and exceptional loyalty. Jiří Jemelka, director of restructuring firm JPF, argues that companies are missing a crucial opportunity. “In an era when younger generations switch jobs every two or three years, older workers represent an anchor you can rely on,” he notes.He shared a striking example of a worker over fifty who transitioned from operating CNC machines to sales, securing massive contracts through practical experience and enthusiasm for the new role.
Despite their potential, many older jobseekers face demotivation. “We see that these people want to educate themselves if given the opportunity, but naturally some are demoralized by diminished opportunities in the labor market. They don’t see the point in investing time or money in training if they won’t have subsequent employment,” Budínová observes.
The situation may soon force change. With an aging population and shortages looming, the labor market is running out of younger workers. “The biggest shortage is in manufacturing positions and specialized roles like truck driver, electrician, or mechanic. Without people over sixty, there would be no one to do these jobs. And everyone’s already worried about what will happen in five years. Foreign workers won’t solve this gap,” warns Michal Mikulášek from recruitment company Prodator.The question is whether employers will recognize this reality before the crisis deepens.
