News

Employers must take rise in age discrimination claims seriously

8 December 2008

As Selina Scott wins settlement from Channel 5, employers must take rise in age discrimation claims seriously.

Following the news that Selina Scott has reached a six figure settlement from Channel 5, after she accused the broadcaster of ageism and that age discrimination claims have tripled in the last year*, Catharine Pusey, Director of The Employers Forum on Age comments:

"The rise in age discrimination claims is an expected consequence of the 2006 age legislation and the changing demographics of the workforce mean that there are more and more workers over the age of 65. Age discrimination is as harmful as any other form of discrimination: research shows it is the most commonly experienced form of discrimination but the least acknowledged in the workplace. High profile cases like that of Selina Scott will make even more people realise that they should not be judged on their age but on their skills and suitability for the role. As things currently stand, we agree with the predictions from lawyers that the number of claims will continue to rise steeply over the next few years.

"Employers cannot afford to bury their heads in the sand hoping this issue will just go away. They really must ensure they comply with the 2006 regulations not only to avoid costly tribunals but also to harness the business advantages of an age diverse workforce. The Employers Forum on Age, a membership body of leading employers, works with all its members to ensure they understand the regulations, are implementing them appropriately and can develop best practice age policies in the workplace. In times of economic downturn it is crucial that employers understand the importance of age neutrality in all their decision making."

- End -

For further information please contact:

The Employers Forum on Age
Catharine Pusey: 0207 785 6556 - catharine.pusey@efa.org.uk
Beth Vaughan: 020 7785 6539 - beth.vaughan@efa.org.uk

Or

Lansons Communications
Helen Thomson: 0207 294 3604 - helent@lansons.com
Livia Murphy: 0207 294 3693 - liviam@lansons.com

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