Personal Enquiry
Age discrimination laws now make it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of their age - in applying for a job, whilst in employment or in vocational training. The law does not cover the provision of goods or services. No matter how old or young; anyone and everyone is now protected against ageist attitudes and behaviour.
In addition to passing age discrimination laws, the Government is creating a Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). This body will be responsible for all areas of discrimination (sex, race, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age) and will be the first port of call for individuals with problems at work that cannot be resolved internally. The CEHR is due to be set up by the end of 2007 and until that time there is no official body in place to promote or police the age laws.
Discrimination can be direct or indirect:
If you are experiencing difficulties with your employer regarding an issue you believe is related to your age, you should take the following steps:
If the matter is not resolved internally and/or you require advice on any aspect of age discrimination you can contact:
Unfortunately the EFA is unable to provide any specific advice for individuals, as we are an independent organisation whose aim is to support employers in creating an age diverse workforce. However, if you would like to tell us your story we may use it, anonymously, to challenge employers and encourage them to improve their practices.
Age discrimination laws now make it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of their age - in applying for a job, whilst in employment or in vocational training. The law does not cover the provision of goods or services. No matter how old or young; anyone and everyone is now protected against ageist attitudes and behaviour.
In addition to passing age discrimination laws, the Government is creating a Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). This body will be responsible for all areas of discrimination (sex, race, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age) and will be the first port of call for individuals with problems at work that cannot be resolved internally. The CEHR is due to be set up by the end of 2007 and until that time there is no official body in place to promote or police the age laws.
Discrimination can be direct or indirect:
- Direct discrimination is easy to understand - for instance obvious age bars or parameters such as 'no more than 25', 'under 30' or 'between 22-28'. Direct discrimination also covers the concept of perceived or apparent age - 'you don't look old enough'.
- Indirect discrimination is a bit more complex and is usually linked to time. So, seeking someone who 'has graduated within the last two years', or with "five years' experience" would be potentially discriminatory.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your employer regarding an issue you believe is related to your age, you should take the following steps:
- Step 1- Speak to your line manager regarding the issue;
- Step 2 (if the matter is not resolved) - Raise a formal grievance by writing to your manager with full details of your concerns;
- Step 3- Your employer must then arrange a hearing at which the issues raised in your grievance letter are discussed
- Step 4 - Following the meeting your employer will make a decision about what further action to take
If the matter is not resolved internally and/or you require advice on any aspect of age discrimination you can contact:
- Your local Citizens Advice Bureau;
- Age Positive, which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, responsible for strategy and policies to support people making decisions about working and retirement. You can contact them via email at agepositive@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or by post, addressing your letter to: Age Positive, DWP, W8d, Moorfoot, Sheffield S1 4PQ;
- The Age Employment Network on 020 78431590 or email taen@helptheaged.org.uk; or
- Your regional office of ACAS
Unfortunately the EFA is unable to provide any specific advice for individuals, as we are an independent organisation whose aim is to support employers in creating an age diverse workforce. However, if you would like to tell us your story we may use it, anonymously, to challenge employers and encourage them to improve their practices.
