Age discrimination
Legislation prohibiting age discrimination is due to come into effect in October 2006.
The final draft of the legislation was published on 9 March 2006. If approved by Parliament, the regulations will come into force on 1 October 2006, and it is already clear that it will become one of the most important developments in employment law in recent years.
The legislation will give all employees an option to work beyond the age of 65, unless the employer can point to specific reasons why they should not. Mandatory retirement before 65 will have to be justified and the issue of having mandatory retirement ages at all will be reviewed in 5 years time. Further, it will outlaw less favourable treatment on the grounds of age - and this will apply not only to prevent older employees from being discriminated against, but also younger employees as well. This means for example that a job advert requesting a number of years of experience, or "keen and enthusiastic" applicants, may no longer be permitted.
We at Russell Jones & Walker are fully up to date on the introduction of the new legislation and are ready to advise clients once the new act comes into force. Further, we are also aware of the limited range of options for an employee to complain about less favourable treatment on the grounds of their age at this stage, as further detailed in our factsheet.
TAEN Website (The Age & Age Employment Network) www.taen.org.uk
If you think you may have a claim for discrimination based on your age, all you need to do is fill in our online questionnaire and respond to some straightforward questions. Our solicitors will then assess your prospects of succeeding in a claim, and contact you with their opinion. The services are free and 100% confidential.
Please see our terms and conditions.
Latest news
View the latest news and articles on age discrimination.
Events
Russell Jones & Walker hosted an evening conference on Age Discrimination followed by a reception of refreshments.
From 1 October 2006, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 come into effect. The new legislation will, for the first time in the UK, make Age Discrimination in employment and vocational training unlawful. This is widely believed to be one of the most significant developments in UK employment law since the advent of discrimination legislation.
The conference will provided a comprehensive overview of the new laws, with major implications for selection and recruitment, terms and conditions and reward policies, promotions, transfers, dismissals and retirement. Read the agenda in full.
If you would like a copy of the conference materials please contact Andrea Gearing on a.e.gearing@rjw.co.uk.Executive Reps
Our new service for individuals facing grievance and disciplinary hearings.
Further reading
Age Discrimination - Retirement
Age Discrimination in Recruitment & Selection