Time to act on age laws
Companies need to wake up to the reality of age discrimination laws – or find themselves in court.
That's the warning from local solicitor Gus Cook of Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP, who says companies need to update their working practices and contracts to take the new legislation into account.
A recent survey by employment relations experts ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) showed that almost a year after the introduction of anti-age discrimination laws (October 2006), only 17% of businesses have changed their recruitment and employment policies.
"Small local firms need to take this issue seriously, because they run the risk of ending up in dispute with their own workforce," says Gus Cook.
"This could be costly, especially if you find yourself in an employment tribunal. It’s much better to avoid problems by learning about the new laws and getting in line with best practice.
It could be worth getting specialist advice on the scope of the legislation, the exceptions, and how it could impact upon your business. Employees who feel discriminated against should also seek expert advice."
The survey polled 750 small businesses. Of firms employing fewer than 10 people, only 6% had made any changes in response to the new law.
For additional information or comment please contact: Gus Cook or Peter Kirk on 01202 294 411.
Notes
For more information on the survey, see the Acas website: http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1261
