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China Job Ad Sparks Outcry Over Middle-Age Unemployment

People attend a job fair in Beijing

A recent job advertisement in China has ignited a wave of backlash on social media over its discriminatory language targeting middle-aged individuals. The controversial ad, which was posted by an unnamed company, explicitly stated that candidates should be 'under 30 years old' and 'born after 1990.'

This age restriction sparked outrage among netizens, with many condemning the ad for perpetuating ageism and discrimination in the job market. The term 'middle-age' was particularly criticized for its negative connotations and exclusionary implications.

According to reports, the job ad was seeking candidates for a marketing position and required applicants to have at least three years of work experience. Critics argued that the age limit contradicted the experience requirement, as individuals over 30 could feasibly meet the qualifications.

Chinese social media platforms were flooded with comments denouncing the discriminatory nature of the ad, with many calling for the company responsible to issue an apology and revise its hiring practices. Some users shared personal stories of facing age-related bias in their job searches, highlighting the pervasive issue of age discrimination in China's workforce.

In response to the backlash, the company behind the ad issued a statement claiming that the age restriction was a mistake and did not reflect its hiring policies. The company apologized for any offense caused and pledged to review its recruitment procedures to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

This incident has reignited discussions about age discrimination in China and the need for greater awareness and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. Many are calling for stricter regulations to prevent companies from engaging in discriminatory hiring practices based on age, gender, or other factors.

As the debate continues to unfold online, advocates are urging both employers and job seekers to be vigilant against discriminatory practices and to promote a more equitable and diverse job market in China.

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