Calling time on age discrimination

A mini-guide to age discrimination at work

Your new rights
What does the new law cover?
The different types of age discrimination
When is age discrimination allowed?
How does the law apply to you?
How do I enforce my rights?
Getting help

Getting Help

For further information and advice on your rights under the new law there are a number of organisations you can contact.

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides guidance on the regulations and on employment rights in general. Call its helpline 08457 47 47 47 or visit www.acas.org.uk

Advicenow (www.advicenow.org.uk) is a website that brings together
high-quality information about the law and your rights, including on age discrimination.

Age Concern Information Line call free on 0800 00 99 66. In
Scotland call the Scottish Helpline for Older People at Age Concern Scotland on 0845 125 9732, textphone 0845 226 5851.

Age Positive is a government campaign promoting age diversity in employment. Visit www.agepositive.gov.uk for more.

The Employers’ Forum on Age (www.efa.org.uk) offers a wealth of invaluable information aimed at employers.

Help the Aged – information for and about older people – visit www.helptheaged.org.uk

National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education (NIACE) provides information about the new legislation as it affects education and training. Call 0116 204 4200
or visit www.niace.org.uk

TAEN (The Age and Employment Network) is committed to creating an effective job market for people in mid and later life. It works through 250 member organisations and by influencing public policy. Call 020 7843 1590 or visit www.taen.org.uk and www.agebusters.org.uk

For free advice and representation

Your local Age Concern can give you information about the law and will help you find advice in your area– visit www.ageconcern.org.uk, call 0800 00 99 66 or check your local phone book for the contact details. In Scotland, call 0845 125 9732 or visit www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk

Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau – find one near you on www.citizensadvice.org.uk or look in your local phone book.

There may be a law centre, or independent advice agency providing free advice in your area. See www.lawcentres.org.uk, www.adviceuk.org.uk, in Scotland www.govanlc.com/salc, or look in your phone book.

Community Legal Service (CLS) Direct (England and Wales only) can give free initial advice over the phone, and direct you to local advice agencies and solicitors – contact www.clsdirect.org.uk or phone 0845 345 4345. In Scotland contact the Scottish Legal Aid Board www.slab.org.uk, 0131 226 7061.

If you’re a member of a trade union, you’ll be able to contact your representative for advice.

Some solicitors offer a free initial meeting to discuss whether you have a potential claim.

If you have legal expense insurance, perhaps as part of a household insurance policy, you should check this to see if it will cover a solicitor’s costs for a tribunal claim.

Age Concern's new book Your Rights: Working over 50 is a comprehensive guide to employment options for the over 50s. Topics covered include: the new age discrimination law, redundancy and employment rights, job hunting, self-employment, support for those out of work, planning for retirement and much
more. It is packed with advice on the many questions that arise. It costs £8.99, and can be ordered by phoning 0870 442 2120 or online at www.ace.org.uk/bookshop