AGE DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYERS
The Women and Equalities Committee’s report, “The Rights of Older People,” addresses significant issues affecting older individuals in the UK and proposes several recommendations to enhance their rights and well-being. Key findings include:
Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination: The report finds current age discrimination laws inadequate and seldom enforced. It calls for the Equality and Human Rights Commission to review these protections, considering the impacts of allowing objective justification of direct age discrimination and the need for stronger duties on employers to prevent such discrimination.
Ageism in Media and Advertising: The report identifies pervasive ageist stereotypes in media and advertising, often portraying older people as frail or dependent. It recommends that regulatory bodies like the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Ofcom, and the Independent Press Standards Organisation strengthen their codes to better protect against ageism.
Failing to follow legal obligations can result in employment tribunal claims and reputational damage. If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, seeking professional advice can help ensure compliance and best practice.
Digital Exclusion: Many older individuals face digital exclusion, hindering access to essential services such as healthcare and banking. The report criticizes the government’s outdated digital inclusion strategy and urges the development of a new plan focused on older people’s needs, including local digital skills training and maintaining offline service alternatives.
Government Focus and Advocacy: The report notes a lack of dedicated government focus on ageing issues in England and recommends evaluating the effectiveness of the Older People’s Commissioner roles in Wales and Northern Ireland. It suggests establishing a similar position in England to provide a strong, independent voice for older people in policy-making and rights protection.
Please contact The Pinnacle Partnership should you need guidance and specific advice on these or any employment legal related issues on 0330 323 0435 or by email – info@pinnaclepartnership.co.uk