BONALLACK & BISHOP -  LAWYERS IN SALISBURY - PRESS RELEASE

November 2006 

How Age Discrimination Could Affect Local Business

Local business leaders were told how the new ageism legislation could affect employers at an Andover Chamber of Commerce seminar held on 31 October 2006. 

Adele Dethick, commercial and employment lawyer at Andover law firm Bonallack & Bishop, said “the fact that the UK is experiencing an aging population is a widely known issue. Life expectancy is increasing and the birth rates remain low. By 2030 one third of the work force will be aged 50 plus.

October 1st was D-Day for new age discrimination legislation. I would urge all businesses to look at their own retirement policies. To start with most UK employees will have the right to keep working to age 65 even if their employment contract specifies differently. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as footballers, but all businesses should check their employment contacts now.

In addition, even at 65 an employee cannot be shown the door. The business has an obligation to go through a special procedure before asking them to leave. Although the right to force them to leave remains, Age Concern is challenging this in the Courts as age discrimination.”

Adele continued, “the new rules do not just apply to old people – there may be no good reason why older people are treated differently to the young. Gone are the job adverts ‘aged 25-30’ or those with words such as ‘young, thrusting employees wanted’.”

Adele also warned, “even offensive office jokes about age could be illegal and lead to an employment tribunal claim for age discrimination case in the future. In companies where the old were traditionally moved out to make space for the young promotion may become an issue”.

Adele will be giving further legal advice as part of Bonallack & Bishop’s forthcoming seminar on “13 Ways to Grow Your Business” which is due to take place on 16th November 2006 at 5.30pm at the firm’s conference suite in Eastgate House, East Street, Andover. .

For further details contact Employment Solicitor Adele Dethick at Bonallack & Bishop on 01264 364433.