Age Discrimination Act 2006
The Age Discrimination Act (2006)
The Age Discrimination Act of 2006 is legislation passed by the UK parliament in London. It is intended to discourage ageism in the workplace; in other words, the discrimination against persons on the basis of their age. Instead, all employment decisions must be passed on competencies and skills. The retirement age in the UK is 65. Under the 2006 Act, workers have the right to request to continue working beyond the retirement age. Employers must honor this request unless there are legitimate reasons to insist on retirement. Employers must follow a particular procedure when considering a request to continue working beyond the retirement age, or risk consequences.
Though the Act is specifically intended
to protect the older members of the workforce, all workers are covered by the Age Discrimination Act of 2006 because the act disallows using age as a basis for employment decisions. According to the human resources website Personnel Today, there is ample evidence that business benefit from having age diversity in the workplace.
Ageism is discrimination or unfair treatment based on a person’s age. It can impact on someone’s confidence, job prospects, financial situation and quality of life. It can also include the way that older people are represented in the media, which can have a wider impact on the public’s attitudes.
It’s important that ageism, often called age discrimination, is addressed to ensure that nobody loses out because of their age. Perhaps you have been in a situation where you have been discriminated against due to your age. You may be fully aware that you have been subject to ageism, but sometimes it’s not so obvious.
Although ageism is often seen as a workplace issue, you may face it when you’re out shopping, at the doctor’s surgery, or even when ordering products and services over the phone. Age discrimination at work is unlawful. You should not be treated any differently to your colleagues because of your age, unless your employer can objectively justify it. For instance, fire fighters and airline pilots can be made to retire at 65 on the grounds of health and safety.
You are protected from age discrimination, or ageism, in all aspects of your employment, including:
• Recruitment
• Employment terms and conditions
• Promotions and transfers
• Training
• Dismissals
For example, your employer cannot exclude you from a training course that younger employees are going on because you’re older, and they cannot pass you over for a promotion you would otherwise have been given, on the grounds of your age.
The Age Discrimination Act of 2006 is legislation passed by the UK parliament in London. It is intended to discourage ageism in the workplace; in other words, the discrimination against persons on the basis of their age. Instead, all employment decisions must be passed on competencies and skills. The retirement age in the UK is 65. Under the 2006 Act, workers have the right to request to continue working beyond the retirement age. Employers must honor this request unless there are legitimate reasons to insist on retirement. Employers must follow a particular procedure when considering a request to continue working beyond the retirement age, or risk consequences.
Though the Act is specifically intended
to protect the older members of the workforce, all workers are covered by the Age Discrimination Act of 2006 because the act disallows using age as a basis for employment decisions. According to the human resources website Personnel Today, there is ample evidence that business benefit from having age diversity in the workplace.
Ageism is discrimination or unfair treatment based on a person’s age. It can impact on someone’s confidence, job prospects, financial situation and quality of life. It can also include the way that older people are represented in the media, which can have a wider impact on the public’s attitudes.
It’s important that ageism, often called age discrimination, is addressed to ensure that nobody loses out because of their age. Perhaps you have been in a situation where you have been discriminated against due to your age. You may be fully aware that you have been subject to ageism, but sometimes it’s not so obvious.
Although ageism is often seen as a workplace issue, you may face it when you’re out shopping, at the doctor’s surgery, or even when ordering products and services over the phone. Age discrimination at work is unlawful. You should not be treated any differently to your colleagues because of your age, unless your employer can objectively justify it. For instance, fire fighters and airline pilots can be made to retire at 65 on the grounds of health and safety.
You are protected from age discrimination, or ageism, in all aspects of your employment, including:
• Recruitment
• Employment terms and conditions
• Promotions and transfers
• Training
• Dismissals
For example, your employer cannot exclude you from a training course that younger employees are going on because you’re older, and they cannot pass you over for a promotion you would otherwise have been given, on the grounds of your age.