Older people

Older people face discrimination and inequalities at work, in the home and public life.  Older workers may find that they are not offered the same training as others or are not employed for a position that they are suitable for.  Older people face living in poverty, face abuse in their own homes and are refused specific social services because of their age.

With a population that is living longer and getting older, the inequalities facing older people in society become ever more acute. For example, pension provision becomes crucial for individual wellbeing and the economy as a whole.

Legislation

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
On 1st October 2006, new age equality legislation came into force.  The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 provide protection against age discrimination in employment and education for people of all ages.

The regulations outlaw age discrimination in recruitment, promotion and training and include measures to outlaw all retirement ages below 65 (except where objectively justified); remove the current upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights; introduce a new duty on employers to consider an employee’s request to continue working beyond retirement and include provisions relating to service related benefits and occupational pensions.

For more information visit Age Busters website and ACAS website.

Regional

For latest information in the South West go to our networks (age, disability, gender, race, faith and sexual orientation).