Businesses in South Wiltshire could fall foul of new law being introduced to outlaw age discrimination.  This will affect employees of all ages. “The new law comes into force on 1st October and many firms aren’t ready for it,” warns David Ridley of Solicitors Whitehead Vizard.

David Ridley says the new law will affect hundreds of businesses. “According to Government figures, there are just over 12,500 residents living in Salisbury District between the ages of 60 and 70. The new regulations extend rights to employees which business owners and company directors need to be aware of. Ignorance of these rights could prove costly for an employer who gets their procedures wrong,” he says.

“At the top end of the age bracket the changes reflect the fact that people are now working later into life - in the main because of pension issues. There were a number of peculiarities in the old legislation. It was beginning to be an anomaly that workers lost important employment rights, such as the right not to be unfairly dismissed, when they reached 65. The new legislation removes the upper and lower age limits for claims such as Unfair Dismissal”  

The Employment Equality ( Age) Regulations 2006, mean that businesses may be liable to pay substantial compensation if they lose a claim by an aggrieved employee at an employment tribunal.

Mr Ridley says: “We provide advice to many local businesses on best employment practice. This new law will affect thousands of workers and many businesses in South Wiltshire. Employers need to be fully aware of their new responsibilities and new procedures that must be followed.

Whitehead Vizard provides a free of cost employment law audit and will advise as to whether businesses and companies are compliant not only with the recent changes in legislation but with recognised employment ‘best practice’. Further information is available from David Ridley at Whitehead Vizard, Solicitors, Close Gate Chambers, 60 High Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2PQ. Telephone: 01722 412141.

ENDS