Mid-career women say AI hiring tools are blocking their return to work

Stacey Duguid, a 52-year-old former fashion executive, spent over a year applying for jobs with little reply, prompting her to hide age and experience on her CV. Similar stories emerged from Koeyli Jaluka, 49, and Anna Cowie, 52, who have each submitted hundreds of applications only to receive automated rejections or silence. The City of London Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce, chaired by Caroline Haines, warned that AI screening often overlooks the skills of experienced women, especially those with career gaps.

AI specialist Laura Holden argued that the lack of transparency in these systems makes bias difficult to detect and called for compulsory testing and stronger oversight. Some London firms have paused AI hiring tools amid these concerns, and Stacey has launched an online community to support affected women and raise awareness of gendered ageism.