More than one in four people in their 60s who are still working feel they are treated differently to their younger colleagues, according to a survey.

Some 27 per cent of working 60-somethings feel they are not treated the same as others in the workplace, Nationwide Building Society found.

Asked to describe how they felt they had been treated differently, the replies included ageism, being given the “worst jobs” to sort out, feeling their opinions were not respected, feeling bullied, feeling ignored as they neared retirement, being expected to be more reliable due to not having childcare commitments, and younger people being promoted over them.

One older worker said they feel “like part of the wallpaper”, while younger colleagues are given better opportunities to progress their careers.

One worker felt their male boss favoured younger female workers, while another said younger workers with children to look after were given priority when booking holidays.

But some 60-something employees felt they were treated better, with one saying: “I give my all for any activity that I do, and I generally find that I get additional support if and when required.”

A lack of flexibility around working is also a concern for people in this age group, the survey found.

Only 13 per cent feel their employer gives them enough flexibility to look

after grandchildren and 11 per cent feel they have enough flexibility to care for a relative.

Less than half (46 per cent) of working 60-somethings feel they are usually given enough flexibility to attend medical appointments.

Nationwide surveyed 1,800 60 to 69-year-olds, of whom around 30 per

cent were still employed, working 29 hours per week on average.

Employment Minister Damian Hinds said that employers have a “huge

amount to gain” by recognising older workers’ valuable knowledge and experience.

He said: “There are now more over- 50s in employment than ever before

which is great news, but we must keep up this momentum as our population ages.

“I want to see more employers supporting older workers and taking full advantage of the benefits they bring to their business and our economy.”