Age

Most age discrimination is experienced by older people but people of all ages can be affected.

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, that came into force on 1 Oct 2006, make it unlawful to discriminate against workers, employees, job seekers and trainees because of their age.

The regulations cover recruitment, terms and conditions, promotion, transfers, dismissals and training. They do not cover the provision of goods and services.

The regulations make it unlawful on the grounds of age to:

• discriminate directly against anyone - i.e. treat them less favourably then others because of their age

• discriminate indirectly against anyone - i.e. selection criteria, policies, benefits, employment rules or practices which, although they are applied to all employees, have the effect of disadvantaging people of a particular age

• subject someone to harassment - including behaviour which is offensive, frightening or in any way distressing and

• victimising - someone because they have made or intend to make a complaint or give evidence in relation to harassment or discrimination on the grounds of age.