[Ina]

Whilst some years ago employers used to favour people with experience, I think the trend is changing to look at those who hold degrees only.  Many might not have much common sense at all (I work with quite a few of those!) but because they look good on paper they get the job.  Some graduates who come to my place of work are full of their own importance, have little experience and even less idea of the ways of the world.  To be quite frank, I am astounded at just how "stupid" some of them are.

I don't think this is necessarily true. I think there are now so many people in the job market with degrees, that is easier for an employer to specify they want someone with a degree just in order to weed out some candidates.

I have the degrees and loads of experience (plus good references and a string of further qualifications gained as required on the job) and still can't get work. So my only conclusion is that it is ageism! At 56 you are obviously only good for the scrap heap.

[Lesley Silvester]

Ina, you are so right. My brother was made redundant after 27 years in a managerial role in IT, with experience in how to physically fix computers from the inside (ie the workings) as well as all the programmes, etc. He had worked as a systems analyst as well and have a degree. He applied for 100s of jobs with no success. Why? He was in his mid-fifties. I know that employers are not allowed to ask for applicants ages now but if someone left school with A-levels in 1974, it's not difficult to work out their age from the application form.