Age discrimination


The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 came into effect on 1 October 2006. The age discrimination elements from these Regulations are now contained in the Equality Act 2010. The compulsory retirement provisions contained in these Regulations were repealed by the Employment Equality (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations 2011 on 6 April 2011.

The age discrimination legislation applies to:

  • all 'workers' of any age, including employees and job seekers, agency and contract workers, office holders and those undertaking employment-related vocational training and some self-employed – unpaid volunteers are not covered
  • access to help and guidance, recruitment, promotion, development, termination, perks and pay
  • direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation will be unlawful and employers can be held responsible for the actions of their employees.

All council senior managers, and all elected members should:

  • understand age-related social, economic and political dimensions of the legislation
  • be aware of the implications of the legislation
  • be committed and sign-up to age diversity and awareness training.