Phoenix Group cuts 'energetic' from job adverts to attract older applicants

'Enthusiastic' need not apply

Jenna Brown
clock • 1 min read

Phoenix Group has cut words such as "enthusiastic" and "energetic" from its job adverts in a bid to encourage more applications from older workers.

First reported in the Daily Telegraph and covered by the BBC, the insurance group said the words could put off older people from applying for jobs they would be suited to. It said older workers often discounted themselves from certain roles if they felt unwanted, the report said, it was not because people's enthusiasm declined with age. Phoenix said it wanted to take an inclusive approach to recruitment but denied banning certain words, the report said. It did, however, confirm words such as "innovative" would not be used in future adverts. The report said it would instead use phra...

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