Workers as young as 40 fear their careers are stalling because of their age, according to new research.

Many people over that age believe they are more likely to be overlooked for promotion or hit a “brick wall” in their job.

A survey of 2,000 over-40s by law firm Slater & Gordon showed that one in 10 felt ignored by their manager and one in seven had seen younger staff promoted ahead of them since they hit 40.

The report suggested that 54 was the age at which career prospects are most affected.

Edward Cooper, head of employment law at Slater & Gordon, said: “With people living longer than ever before, most expect to be able to work until they want to. Very few businesses enforce a retirement age but this research shows that many will still sideline and isolate staff when they get to a certain age.”