Age Discrimination Legislation 2006

Age Discrimination

AGE DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION 2006

From 1st October 2006 the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations make it unlawful to discriminate because of age. The regulations make it unlawful on the grounds of age to :-

Discriminate directly against anyone because of their age.
Discriminate indirectly against anyone.
Subject someone to harassment.
Victimise someone because they have made or intend to make a complaint on grounds of age
Discriminate against someone, in certain circumstances, after the working relationship has ended.

Employers need to ensure that full training is given to staff regarding the new regulations.

Upper age limits on unfair dismissal and redundancy will be removed.

There will be a national default retirement age of 65 making compulsory retirement below 65 unlawful unless objectively justified.

Employees have the right to request to work beyond 65 or any other retirement age set by the company. The employer has a duty to consider such requests.

There are limited circumstances when discrimination may be lawful – genuine occupational requirements, objective justifications, exceptions and exemptions.

IMPACT FOR THE CONSORTIUM

After reviewing the regulations against our policies and procedures I believe there are implications under 4 main areas - recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, retirement and training and communication.