Businesses are bracing themselves for a change in the law on age discrimination.
A seminar held by recruitment firm Arden Shields – which has offices in Leamington, Coventry and Stratford - told businesses what to expect when the Government’s new set of age discrimination regulations come into force in October.
Employment law specialist Suki Harrar was the guest speaker at the event held at Mallory Court in Bishops Tachbrook which was attended by thirteen organisations including Warwick District Council, Volvo, Rangemaster and nationwide plumbing suppliers Wolseley.
Miss Harrar, a partner with the Leamington law firm Wright Hassall LLP, said: “It is important that companies sit up and take notice of the new regulations before they are brought in this autumn.
“Businesses are advised to seek advice, train their staff and amend their policies so that they do not fall foul of the law - as damages are unlimited and there can even be an award for injury to feelings.”
The new laws apply to people of all ages – both young and old – in the workplace and cover all aspects of both employment and vocational training.
The main point is that upper age limits for unfair dismissal and redundancy will be removed and all staff will have the right to request they work beyond retirement age – currently 65.
