New age discrimination laws are puzzling employers |
|
|
Published
:
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:50
|
LONDON - Just days before new age discrimination measures are to come into effect, many employers are retaining practices which may see them fall foul of the new laws, according to a survey by law firm Eversheds, which quizzed 150 firms that employ nearly half a million workers.
Human resources directors and senior managers of the firms were surveyed extensively. Eversheds said that two out of five questioned admitted that they might be penalized under the new laws. Less than two out of three firms quizzed have trained managers in recruitment departments who are aware of the new laws.
"Continuing to ask for a minimum period of experience is a risky approach and open to challenge from younger employees," said Audrey Williams, of Eversheds. "Similarly continuing to ask for a date of birth on application forms isn't in line with the spirit of the legislation and opens employers up to be challenged." She added that the new laws could become fertile grounds for potential claims.
One of the four firms questioned said they had increased their retirement age to 65 in view of the new laws. But the report said that the government had proved unsuccessful in implementing the 65 retirement age rule.
Meanwhile the TUC has introduced a 10-point chart in order to help workers understand the new rules. The organization assured young workers that their rights would also be protected. "These new regulations should put an end to the blight of age discrimination which has made job hunting and career development difficult for the many workers who had the misfortune to work for employers with ageist attitudes," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.
The new laws become effective on October 1.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock
Quotes * |
|
NASDAQ
|
|
1398.07 |
-137.50 (
-8.95 %)
|
| SYMBOL (
2007-09-26 ) |
| LAST |
CHANGE
|
|
HANSON
(
12:41pm )
|
|
1099.00 |
+3.00 (
0.27 %)
|
|
AMVESCAP
(
11:35am )
|
|
607.50 |
+2.50 (
0.41 %)
|
| SYMBOL (
2008-12-01 )
|
| LAST |
CHANGE
|
|
INTEL CP
(
4:00pm ) |
|
12.56 |
-1.24 (
-9.16 %)
|
| SYMBOL (
2007-09-04 )
|
| LAST |
CHANGE
|
|
|
Print this Story
Workers ignorant about ageism laws 