However young or old you are, you have the right to challenge unfair age-related treatment at work. As a result of European Union law, the Government introduced regulations in 2006 which give workers protection against age discrimination when they are, for example, applying for a job or a promotion, concerned about their pay rates, taking advantage of workplace benefits such as holidays, redundancy or pensions, or considering their retirement options.
Under these regulations an employer cannot lawfully discriminate against you because of your age unless they can show that the discrimination is justified. This means that the employer must have a good reason for the age-related treatment that would stand up to testing in an employment tribunal.
The government’s Directgov website has information on age discrimination in its employment section, under problems at work. direct.gov.uk/employment
The government’s Business Link service provides practical advice for employers of older workers in the ‘employing people’ section of its website. businesslink.gov.uk
The British Youth Council assists young people on citizenship and other issues byc.org.uk
The Department of Business, Employment and Regulatory Reform has information on discrimination in its Employment Matters section – look under ‘What we do’. berr.gov.uk
The Age and Employment Network is a campaigning organisation working for better opportunities for older people to continue working and learning, and provides support for people over 50 seeking work or a career change. taen.org.uk
Help the Aged and the 4 national Age Concern organisations have merged to form a single organisation working with and for older people in the UK. helptheaged.org.uk, ageconcern.org.uk
Conciliation service ACAS has information and advice on age discrimination for employers and employees. acas.org.uk
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provides advice and information on issues relating to workplace discrimination in England, Scotland and Wales, including telephone helplines.
In Northern Ireland, you can get help and information from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Helpline: 028 90 890 890 equalityni.org
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