DTI proposes to end age discrimination
Release date: March 2006

Do you realise that by 2026 in the UK, half of everyone aged 16 and over will be aged over 50 – is your business prepared?
(Government Actuaries Department)

The Department of Trade and Industry has recently published a consultation document on proposals to introduce age discrimination legislation by October 2006.

The document addresses the issue of how the UK should implement an EU directive, which prohibits age discrimination in employment and vocational training. It will cover both the private and public sectors and every other organisation and will include every member of your workforce, young and old. It will apply to everyone you employ.

Employers will have to adopt age positive practices. This means that you will not longer be able to recruit, train, promote or retire people on the basis of age unless it can be objectively justified.

Government research suggests that age discrimination costs the UK £16bn every year. Currently, only 70% of people aged between 50 and State Pension Age are in work, compared to 81% of those aged between 25 and 49. Many people over 50 want to work, but are prevented from doing so by ageist practices.

The legislation will not be about forcing people to work longer, but it will provide more choice and flexibility for those who wish to stay in work in their 50s and 60s. It does not just concern older people – it covers young and old alike throughout their working lives.

For further information contact Chris Wiper
chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk

BACK