Confusion over Ageism Laws

Despite being one of the most important changes in UK employment law for many years, the new age discrimination legislation which came into force on 1st October has had remarkably little official publicity.

The new laws – which seem set to make age discrimination as unacceptable as race or sex discrimination - will outlaw age discrimination in employment and vocational training and prevent companies setting a compulsory retirement age below 65. The laws will also have a knock on effect for companies’ recruitment, training, promotion, redundancy, retirement, and pay and pension provision and procedures.

According to two independent surveys by Age Concern and the Employers Forum on Age (EFA) 1, employers and employees either didn’t know the regulations were coming into affect or didn’t understand their full extent.

The Help the Aged survey also found that despite the new legislation a significant number of employees still felt that ageism would prevent them working past 65. Kate Jopling, a senior policy manager said “Employers need to realise that just because someone has reached a certain age, it doesn’t mean they can’t work.”

Employees need to be aware that they can take action against employers who force them to retire before 65, or refuse them promotion or work simply because of their age. Employers need to be careful that their contracts of employment do not infringe this law and that their recruitment and redundancy policies are also clear.

For more advice on this subject or any other aspect of employment law, speak to one of our specialists at Parrott & Coales Solicitors on 01296 318500.

Please contact:

Employment Department at Parrott & Coales for advice on 01296 318500

Email: law@parrottandcoalesllp.co.uk