Stories

Thu, 06 Aug 2026

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 'I've had to Botox my CV': Are AI recruitment tools affecting women's careers?

Are AI recruitment tools disadvantaging women who are seeking to return to the workplace?
Concerns:
* AI-powered recruitment tools can perpetuate ageism and discriminate against older job applicants.
* These tools can also overlook candidates with non-traditional work histories or gaps in employment. Interviewee Quotes:
* "I've had to Botox my CV" (Stacey, a woman who has been affected by the issue).
* "AI recruitment tools are often 'not on the side of the jobseeker'" (Dr. Eleanor Drage).
* "If we're lucky, we all get old" (Stacey). Government Response:
* The government acknowledges that AI can help employers manage large volumes of applications but emphasizes that recruitment processes must remain fair, transparent, and accessible.
* Existing legal protections apply to AI systems, and the government will act if additional protections are needed. Support for Women Affected by Ageism:
* Stacey has set up a community chat and platform to help women feel less alone and address the issues related to ageism in recruitment. Action Against Companies:
* Workday is facing claims that it violated Californian law thousands of times by weeding out job applicants at major companies for discriminatory reasons. Overall, the article highlights concerns about AI-powered recruitment tools perpetuating ageism and discriminating against women who are older or have taken career breaks. It also emphasizes the need for fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment processes to ensure that all candidates are given equal opportunities.