More workers taking action over age discrimination

16/01/2012

The number of employees taking legal action over age discrimination has nearly doubled in the last three years.

There were 3,800 age discrimination claims to employment tribunals in 2008/09. That rose to 5,200 in 2009/10 and then increased to 6,800 last year.

By contrast, the overall number of claims to tribunals covering other issues such as unfair dismissals, equal pay and various forms of discrimination fell by 8% last year, albeit from very high levels.

It’s thought the increase in age claims is partly down to the economic climate which has forced employers to lay workers off, reduce working hours or take other cost cutting measures.

Many older workers fear they have been discriminated against in these cost cutting exercises because employers consider them to be more expensive and less productive than younger workers.

It’s also true that employees are more aware of their rights these days and more willing to take legal action to protect their interests, particularly as the economic climate makes it difficult to find a new job.

The law provides employees with protection against most forms of discrimination including age, sex, race and disability. Anyone who feels they have been subjected to discrimination at work should seek legal advice as soon as possible

Please contact our employment law team if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of employment law.