Abstract
Aesthetic labour is a common feature of hospitality work (Nickson et al., 2003), and working hours are often long and unsociable, and potentially incompatible with family or community responsibilities. Logic therefore suggests that the industry is likely prefer younger workers (McNair et al., 2007, Slonaker et al., 2007). Ageism is an acknowledged form of discrimination in employment (Snape and Redman, 2003, Taylor and Walker, 1998). A report on ageism by Age Concern England revealed that more people (29%) had suffered more from age discrimination than from any other form of discrimination (Tasiopoulou and Abrams, 2006). Ageism is also prevalent in New Zealand (NZ) (McGregor, 2001, Wilson et al., 2007), and increases with increased numbers of older workers in the labour force (Wilson et al.).
