Member Article

Ageism laws ?work both ways?

Employers are being warned that ageism is not exclusive to the older generation, and that younger workers are a valuable part of the workforce.

New age discrimination laws came in to effect on 1 October and many firms have so far focused on how these regulations affect older employees. However, research has revealed that it is often young workers who are negatively stereotyped. A recent report from business support agency Croner has shown that 18 to 24-year-olds are 50% more likely to be injured in the workplace, and that other employees believe these younger workers require more supervision.

These findings suggest that employers could be in breach of age discrimination legislation if such prejudices affect their view of an employee’s ability to carry out tasks. According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), some firms may have to change their practices and attitudes to better comply with the new laws.

Rita Donaghy, Acas Chair, said: “The Department of Trade and Industry anticipates that there may be 8,000 age discrimination cases brought to UK tribunals in the first year, so employers really can’t afford to go sleepwalking into this. But they should not feel they are on their own either. Acas’ prime concern is to prevent the need for such cases by helping bosses to get it right in the first place. “It is equally unacceptable to describe someone as being ‘wet behind the ears’ as it is to call them ’over the hill.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .