COVID Unemployment: Many Over Age 50 Having Difficult Time Finding Work In Their Field
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of Americans losing their jobs.
Some have even able to re-enter the workforce, but experts say one group is especially struggling to do so.
As CBS2's Kiran Dhillon reported Wednesday, some people 55 and older may be having a tough time.
"I didn't realize at 52 it would almost be like being forced to retire," Marc Camacho said.
COVID VACCINE
- New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
- New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
- Nassau County more info here
- Suffolk County more info here
- Westchester County more info here
- New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
- Connecticut book online here
Camacho was furloughed from his job as a hospitality worker when the pandemic hit last March. For the past year, despite applying for hundreds of jobs, he has been unable to land one in his field.
"I'm just barely able to meet my bills," Camacho said.
With 13 years of experience, Camacho said he believes he's a victim of age discrimination.
He may be right.
A new report has found more than 3 million workers aged 55 and above lost their jobs during the pandemic.
"We think that employers are showing their oats. This is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shed their older workers and bring in younger workers who are a little more compliant and will work for less. Older workers' health insurance is five to six times more expensive then younger workers," said Theresa Ghilarducci, director of the Retirement Equity Lab at the New School of Social Research.
READ MORE: COVID Reality: Data Shows Women Bear Disproportionate Impact Of Pandemic Unemployment
Ghilarducci, a professor of economics, led the report. She said the numbers are even worse for workers of color because many are emplyed in sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.
Since October, the decline in employment for Black, Hispanic, and Asian older workers was more than twice that of white older workers.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Ask CBS2's Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions
- COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC
- Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
- Find A New York City Testing Site Near You
- Check NYC Testing Wait Times
- Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
- Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
Researchers say fewer older workers in the labor force have longer term impacts on the economy and on social services.
They says more anti age discrimination enforcement in workplaces, along with expanded unemployment benefits are necessary.
They're also recommending the age to be eligible for Medicare to be lowered to 50.
For people without jobs now, Ghilarducci offered the following advice.
"Whatever you do, try to stay in the labor force, even if it's taking a job that's not in your field or is beneath you," she said. "If you have a gap in your resume, fill it with something that is general, not very specific."
READ MORE: Third Stimulus Check: Why Your Next Relief Payment May Not Be $1,400
She also recommends obscuring your age on your resume.
Camacho has done that and has been able land part-time work as a home health care aide.
Still, he said he wishes he had a job in his field.
"I've almost been feeling I am battling depression. We see no end in sight," Camacho said.
Camacho's message to employers? Please hire based on qualifications, not age.
CBS2's Kiran Dhillon contributed to this report
