The Employers Forum on Age

Notes to Editors:

Public confusion about ageism could cause headaches

The Employers Forum on Age (EFA) is the leading campaigner on age issues in the workplace. It has more than 245 UK member organisations that collectively employ more than three million people - more than 14 per cent of the workforce. The EFA offers expert advice to employers on managing the skills and age mix of their organisations. Employers can join the EFA by calling 0845 456 2495 or visiting www.efa.org.uk
Sponsored by B&Q, 'Defining Ageism', was carried out by telephone interview in April 2006 by BMRB, 1226 people in full-time work were interviewed. It is based on an analysis of the working population's awareness of age legislation and the type of behaviour perceived discriminatory in the workplace.
Half of UK employers think age legislation will have a greater impact than race and disability legislation, 40 per cent believe age will have a greater impact than sex discrimination laws, and almost 90 per cent believe age will have a greater impact than sexual orientation legislation and religion and belief. EFA member poll carried out in March 06.
2006 age legislation: the UK Government must put in place age discrimination legislation by December 2006 to comply with the EU Employment Directive (Article 13). The new legislation will carry the same weight as earlier legislation on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, and religion & belief.