Fri, 1 Jul 2011

Employers fail to abide by anti-ageism legislation

Employers run the risk of falling foul of anti-ageism laws by continuing to discriminate against older workers, the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) has warned.

Last month, the CIPD published the findings of a survey that showed less than half of workers aged over 65 had a formal appraisal once a year or more frequently, compared with nearly two-thirds of all staff. Older staff were also less likely to receive training.

More than half of respondents aged over 65 had received no training in the past three years, compared with 32% of all staff.

Based on responses from 2,000 employees, the survey follows the government’s announcement that in June 2010 the default retirement age (DRA) would be abolished. Rising life expectancy and inadequate pensions savings mean many will wish to work longer, or may be forced to by economic circumstances.

Dianah Worman, diversity adviser at CIPD, said: 'The survey finds that too many older workers are currently being neglected in the workplace when it comes to training and performance management, with some employers perhaps assuming older staff are nearing the end of their working lives and so need less attention.

‘The removal of the DRA will rightfully put a stop to lazy management of older workers, with employers forced to maximise the talents of an ageing workforce.’

From October, employers will no longer be allowed to require employees to retire at a certain age, except in certain limited circumstances, and will have to ensure equal treatment of older workers.