New legislation intended to outlaw discrimination in the workplace on grounds of age has now been in place since October and all employers should be aware of its implications. The Bridge looked at some of the likely effects of the legislation last summer but it is timely to remind employers of its importance.
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 protect employees, job applicants and others from discrimination during recruitment and over terms and conditions, promotion, training and dismissal. The regulations make it unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly or to harass or victimise employees on grounds of age.
Under the regulations, an employer would be guilty of direct discrimination if he treated one employee (or applicant) less favourably than another because of age and could not show there were sound and proportionate business reasons for doing so. Business owners and managers should be particularly careful when advertising jobs and when putting together
