smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

With three months before age discrimination laws come into effect small businesses have been urged to start preparations now by Confederation of British Industry deputy director general John Cridland.

Cridland told an audience of employers at the CBI's ‘Coming of Age’ conference that businesses must get their act together to ensure they are not caught out by the new regulations that start on 1 October. For more on these, read our article Need to know: age discrimination laws.

‘We are now living longer, healthier and more active lives,’ proclaimed John Cridland. ‘At a time of increasing skill shortages, we cannot afford to overlook the talent and experience that exists in the over fifties.

‘The new age discrimination regulations drive cultural change and employers accept that they should only discriminate on ability. But new laws bring new risks of inadvertent non-compliance, which is why firms need to start planning now – reviewing their policies and thinking hard about whether their age-related practices are justified.

‘All aspects of employment practices need to be reviewed - from more generous sick pay and holiday leave for longer-serving staff as well as special treatment on training or health promotion for certain categories of employee.’

‘These age regulations present an even bigger challenge for employers than previous gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and religious discrimination laws,’ believes Jane Amphlett, partner at legal firm Addleshaw Goddard. ‘Employers need to use the time between now and October effectively and review all employment practices and policies to identify where changes need to be made and to train their staff effectively. No employer relishes the prospect of having to defend an expensive discrimination claim in a tribunal.’