News
September 2006
Changes to age discrimination
New regulations that come into force on 1 October 2006 make it unlawful for employers in England, Scotland and Wales to discriminate against workers on the grounds of age.
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 provide protection against age discrimination in employment, training and adult education for workers of any age and make it unlawful for employers, on the grounds of age, to:
- deny someone employment
- dismiss someone
- refuse to provide training
- deny someone a promotion
- retire an employee before the employer’s usual retirement age (if there is one) or retire an employee before the default retirement age of 65 without an objective justification
Employers must also inform employees in writing at least six months in advance of their intended retirement date and seriously consider any request from an employee to work beyond this time.
However, there are limited exemptions under the law. For example, employers can refuse to consider an application from anyone who is over - or within six months of – the age of 65 or the employer’s normal retirement age.
Find
out more about age discrimination on the Directgov website