Age Legislation
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into effect on the 1st October 2006. The laws don't prevent age discrimination but they set the foundation to ensure older people are not denied jobs or harassed because of their age, and in many cases, employees of all ages will have an equal chance of training and promotion.
The main points of the age regulations are(i):
- National default retirement age of 65 will be introduced. Employers will not be able to force an employee to retire before they are 65.
- All employees will be able to request working past the retirement age of 65.
- There will no longer be an upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy. Older workers will have the same rights as younger workers to claim unfair dismissal or receive a redundancy payment.
- The regulations will allow pay and non-pay benefits to continue which depend on length of service requirements of 5 years or less or which recognise and reward loyalty and experience and motivate staff.
- Age limits will be removed for statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory paternity pay.
- Lower and upper age limits in the statutory redundancy scheme will be removed, but will leave the current age-banded system in place.
- The regulations will provide exemptions for many age-based rules in occupational pension schemes.
For a more detailed explanation and further information on the new age discrimination laws visit:
The Employers Forum on Age
DTI - Discrimination in Employment
Direct Gov - Age Discrimination
Age Busters
Age Discrimination
The new regulations have been put in place to address the changes occurring in society. The number of people aged under 50 is set to fall by two per cent by 2016, while the number aged between 50 and 69 is set to increase by 17 per cent(ii).
The legislation will help to improve age related employment equality and reduce discrimination in the same way we're familiar with other kinds equality in the workplace - sex, race, disability, sexual orientation and religion.
If you believe you have suffered from age discrimination or ageism at work Age Concern provides useful information on what to do. For more information visit Age Concern
Additional Information
You may find the following resources useful.
Looking for a new job or require assistance seeking employment
Interested in starting your own business
(i) Age Positive, Age legislation on 1 October - clear information for employers and individuals Age Positive
(ii) Direct Gov, Age Discrimination Direct Gov
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