Around 40% of UK jobseekers believe they have been discriminated against when applying for work in the last five years, according to The Kelly Global Workforce Index.

The survey found 31% had experienced discrimination in their day-to-day working life. The major source of discrimination identified by respondents was age, which was cited by 17%. This was followed by race (8%), gender (6%) and disability (2%).

UK sectors with above average levels of discrimination included engineering, IT, transport, manufacturing and utilities.

Catherine King, managing director for Kelly Services, says: "The new anti-age legislation will undoubtedly help to turn the trend toward discriminating against certain age groups, and businesses that do not address these issues directly will do themselves considerable damage.”

The highest rates of workplace discrimination were found in Sweden, Hungary and Italy, while UK, Denmark and Luxembourg had the lowest.