Age Discrimination regulations, make sure you comply!

Sadly, it is well known that ageism remains rife in the workplace, despite the introduction of age discrimination legislation in 2006 making it unlawful to discriminate against workers on the grounds of age.  It is believed that many retirees have experienced pressure from their employer to leave their job.

Companies that are forcing workers into early retirement could be leaving themselves dangerously exposed to legal action.  The cost of a successful age discrimination claim can be significant and will be higher when legal costs and reputational damage are taken into consideration.

To protect your company against such allegations, make sure your company policy age discrimination complies with current legislation.  Ensure that managers and others who make decisions that affect both existing and potential employees, are aware of their respnsibilities so that they can deal sensitively with age-sensitive employment matters.  Further, make all employees aware of the legislation and their rights under it.

Unfortunately, even with procedures in place, mistakes can happen.  Many discrimination claims arise from an employer who has sound employment procedures and a history of good employee relations but just had a 'bad day at the office'.  This is where insurance can help, with cover being available to protect your company against an array of Employment legislation claims, including Age Discrimination, Sexual and Racial Discrimination, Unfair Dismissal and the latest Discrimination Legislation regarding Religion and Sexual Orientation.

For more information on how to comply with age discrimination regulations, go to the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform website.  To find out more about the employment insurance covers available, please contact us.

and ...

A 19-year-old woman who claimed that she was sacked for being too young has been awarded more than £16,000 in compensation after winning a ground-breaking case against her former employer.  Leanne Wilkinson, then 18, claimed that she suffered age discrimination when she was dismissed from her job as an administrative assistant.  She claimed the company had told her that she was too young for the post and they needed an older person with more experience.

 

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