Business
Employers need to sharpen up their attitude towards older workers – as new figures show a big leap in the number of age discrimination cases, according to a Newbury solicitor.
Andrew Egan, an employment lawyer with Newbury law firm Charles Lucas & Marshall, said that the employment tribunal statistics for 2010-11 highlighted the need for companies to become more age aware.
The figures show that the number of age discrimination claims increased considerably, rising 32 per cent.
“There are all sorts of pitfalls for employers,” said Mr Egan. “The default retirement age has ended and with rising levels of redundancy and unemployment, people are more likely to consider whether they have been discriminated against.”
While the average award handed out by Employment Tribunals was £12,697, the average award for age discrimination cases was far higher than any other type of discrimination – £30,289 – triple last year's average. The highest award was £144,100.
“There still seems to be a perception of older workers being incapable and lingering on and being a general burden at work,” said Mr Egan. “Employers must have appropriate policies in place to deal with issues like redundancies, recruitment and pay – and age should not play a part.
“Managers and supervisors need training in dealing with potential discriminatory matters and business owners should ensure people are able to put that training into practice,” he added.
Andrew Egan, an employment lawyer with Newbury law firm Charles Lucas & Marshall, said that the employment tribunal statistics for 2010-11 highlighted the need for companies to become more age aware.
The figures show that the number of age discrimination claims increased considerably, rising 32 per cent.
“There are all sorts of pitfalls for employers,” said Mr Egan. “The default retirement age has ended and with rising levels of redundancy and unemployment, people are more likely to consider whether they have been discriminated against.”
While the average award handed out by Employment Tribunals was £12,697, the average award for age discrimination cases was far higher than any other type of discrimination – £30,289 – triple last year's average. The highest award was £144,100.
“There still seems to be a perception of older workers being incapable and lingering on and being a general burden at work,” said Mr Egan. “Employers must have appropriate policies in place to deal with issues like redundancies, recruitment and pay – and age should not play a part.
“Managers and supervisors need training in dealing with potential discriminatory matters and business owners should ensure people are able to put that training into practice,” he added.
More From: Business News Next Story: Get noticed – how to ensure you have your CV in the right place at the right time Previous Story: How to have a good meeting