CIPD warns SMEs over age discrimination laws
20 March 2008 16:21
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has warned small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be aware of falling foul of legislation governing discrimination on the grounds of age.
According to comments made by Freda Line, a representative from the CIPD, given that workers tend to be more rights-aware than their employers, SMEs should ensure that employment is not terminated on the grounds of age.
"It will be interesting to see what happens when and if a recession starts to bite. It will be more difficult for employers to dump wholesale loads of older workers," said Ms Line.
"We've already seen some pretty interesting employment tribunals using the age discrimination regulations."
Ms Line also added a note of caution, stating that age discrimination awareness among SMEs is comparatively low and that such organisations are hampered by the absence of a dedicated human resources department.
The CIPD was established in 2000.
According to comments made by Freda Line, a representative from the CIPD, given that workers tend to be more rights-aware than their employers, SMEs should ensure that employment is not terminated on the grounds of age.
"It will be interesting to see what happens when and if a recession starts to bite. It will be more difficult for employers to dump wholesale loads of older workers," said Ms Line.
"We've already seen some pretty interesting employment tribunals using the age discrimination regulations."
Ms Line also added a note of caution, stating that age discrimination awareness among SMEs is comparatively low and that such organisations are hampered by the absence of a dedicated human resources department.
The CIPD was established in 2000.
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