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07/09/2010
More Prepared To Challenge Age Discrimination
The number of age discrimination claims accepted by employment tribunals increased by more than a third - 37 per cent - over the past year, according to figures published by the Employment Tribunals Service.
The figures reveal that the median amount awarded by tribunals in age-related cases - £5,868 - is on a par with several other discrimination strands.
However, the maximum award for a case of age discrimination - £48,710 - was significantly less than those awarded in four out of the other five discrimination strands - disability (£729,347), sex (£442,366), race (£374,922) and sexual orientation (£163,725).
TAEN - The Age and Employment Network believes that the relatively small number of successful applications - 2 per cent of age-related cases brought to tribunal - is due to the complexity of bringing claims and proving age discrimination has occurred.
Chris Ball, Chief Executive of TAEN, said: "We cannot pretend that age discrimination is not there. Ageism remains a persistent barrier for older people still in work. However, there is increased awareness of age discrimination and the legislation shows older workers that they have some redress.
"The number of claims is probably only the tip of the iceberg as far as the incidence of age discrimination is concerned and the real problem is that it is often difficult to prove such cases, however well founded.
"There is real need for research into the nature of the applications and the reasons why age cases, in common with other forms of discrimination, show such low success rates. It seems probable that there is considerable scope for improvement in the quality of support which applicants receive which in turn arises from too little understanding of the complex nature of age discrimination, particularly indirect discrimination.
"The latter, in its very nature, is more difficult for claimants, but if we really want age equality, we have to understand and come to grips with it.
"With the Government accelerating plants to abolish the Default Retirement Age and moving to speed up the increase in the state pension age, it is more vital than ever that the increasing numbers of older workers who inevitably come up against ageism have confidence in the fairness and robustness of the tribunals system.
"Working longer will simply not be an attractive option unless workers feel that their rights will be protected against those who would discriminate against them."
(KMcA/GK)
The figures reveal that the median amount awarded by tribunals in age-related cases - £5,868 - is on a par with several other discrimination strands.
However, the maximum award for a case of age discrimination - £48,710 - was significantly less than those awarded in four out of the other five discrimination strands - disability (£729,347), sex (£442,366), race (£374,922) and sexual orientation (£163,725).
TAEN - The Age and Employment Network believes that the relatively small number of successful applications - 2 per cent of age-related cases brought to tribunal - is due to the complexity of bringing claims and proving age discrimination has occurred.
Chris Ball, Chief Executive of TAEN, said: "We cannot pretend that age discrimination is not there. Ageism remains a persistent barrier for older people still in work. However, there is increased awareness of age discrimination and the legislation shows older workers that they have some redress.
"The number of claims is probably only the tip of the iceberg as far as the incidence of age discrimination is concerned and the real problem is that it is often difficult to prove such cases, however well founded.
"There is real need for research into the nature of the applications and the reasons why age cases, in common with other forms of discrimination, show such low success rates. It seems probable that there is considerable scope for improvement in the quality of support which applicants receive which in turn arises from too little understanding of the complex nature of age discrimination, particularly indirect discrimination.
"The latter, in its very nature, is more difficult for claimants, but if we really want age equality, we have to understand and come to grips with it.
"With the Government accelerating plants to abolish the Default Retirement Age and moving to speed up the increase in the state pension age, it is more vital than ever that the increasing numbers of older workers who inevitably come up against ageism have confidence in the fairness and robustness of the tribunals system.
"Working longer will simply not be an attractive option unless workers feel that their rights will be protected against those who would discriminate against them."
(KMcA/GK)
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Following a recommendation by the Low Pay Commission earlier in the year, the national minimum wage is set to increase by 12 pence an hour. The new UK minimum wage of £6.31 will come into force from today (Tuesday 1 October). There is also an increase in the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year olds, increasing by 5 pence an hour to £5.
03 November 2004
Anti-ageism award for Banbridge and Craigavon Trust
Craigavon and Banbridge Trust staff are celebrating after becoming the first Trust in NI to become a champion in the fight against workplace ageism.
Anti-ageism award for Banbridge and Craigavon Trust
Craigavon and Banbridge Trust staff are celebrating after becoming the first Trust in NI to become a champion in the fight against workplace ageism.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
