Age Concern has just published a new information sheet about age discrimination which will explain how the new law will affect employers.

On October 1 new legislation (The Employment Equality Act (Age) Regulations 2006) will come into force in the UK.

The new law will provide protection against age discrimination in employment and education for people of all ages.

The Age Concern information sheet provides information for people aged 50 and over on the rights they will have under the new law.

However, it will not cover discrimination in goods and services. This means that insurance companies, healthcare providers etc will still be able to discriminate on grounds of age.

The Government has said the unpaid volunteers will not be covered by the legislation either.

Age Concern is campaigning to end age discrimination in these areas too.

What will be against the law:

  • Direct discrimination in employment this means treating someone less favourably because of their age or because of the age they appear to be. For example, a company refuses to recruit someone because they are over 50.
  • Indirect discrimination this means having a policy or practice which puts people of a certain age at a disadvantage compared with other people. For example, a company restricts recruitment to recent graduates fewer older people would be able to meet this requirement.
  • Harassment for example, an older worker's colleagues repeatedly make jokes about them at work, based on their age, which the person finds offensive.
  • Victimisation for example, a person is dismissed after complaining that they are not receiving the same treatment as younger colleagues, because of their age.

The information sheet goes on to describe situations where an employer will be able to justify discrimination and the kinds of discrimination which will be covered by exemptions.

It also covers issues about "retirement age", unfair dismissal, statutory sick pay, adult learning and redundancy.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, said: "We know that this free information sheet will be useful for both employees and employers, who need to have a general understanding of the new regulations which will affect us all from October."

The information sheet is free and available from Age Concern Swindon at Number One Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE. Telephone 692166 or email jo.osorio@ageconcernswindon.org.uk.or www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/information_5083.htm