The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal for you to be discriminated against because of your age, whether you're considered too young or too old. If this has happened to you, talk to one of our friendly age discrimination lawyers today.
Age discrimination can take on various forms. If you're an older employee, this may mean that you're passed over for promotion or unfairly selected for redundancy. If you're one of the youngest in your workplace, you may also experience age discrimination because you're considered to be too inexperienced.
Age discrimination can also play a part in the recruitment process, with older workers in particular often left feeling that their proven experience and aptitude have been overlooked and that they weren't hired for an ideal job simply because they were over the age of 50.
If you believe you've been a victim of discrimination because of your age, particularly in the workplace or during the recruitment process, speak to one of our experienced employment solicitors today. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we'll call you.
What is covered by the age discrimination employment act?
The Equality Act 2010 is a powerful legal weapon against discrimination in all its many forms, including discrimination based on your age. Whilst it legislates to prevent unlawful age discrimination in every aspect of life, from dealing with your mortgage provider to using public transport, one of the most common places you'll be subjected to age discrimination is in the workplace.
The age discrimination protection in the Act means that all employees in the workplace should be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age. If an employer fails to treat employees properly or take appropriate steps to ensure employees are protected while at work, they could be making themselves vulnerable to legal action.
How to fight age discrimination in the workplace?
Despite the legislation preventing it, age discrimination is pervasive, during everyday life and in the workplace. For example, where redundancies are occurring, it's sometimes the case that older workers are automatically selected simply because they're closer to retirement age or because their longer period of service means they're among the higher earners.
Where you believe that your age has resulted in you being treated less favourably, you should speak to one of our experienced employment solicitors about challenging all discriminatory behaviour, particularly if it is affecting your chances of promotion, or the likelihood that you will be made redundant.
Time is of the essence, because you only have three months, minus one day, from the date of the last discriminatory act in which to commence the early conciliation process with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).
What is the process for making an age discrimination claim?
Early conciliation is a mandatory step before commencing a tribunal claim and gives ACAS a chance to establish whether your employer will agree to settle your case without the need for a tribunal claim. This takes up to a month at the end of which you will have at least a further month to prepare your tribunal claim. Where ACAS doesn't succeed in its conciliation attempts, we may then be able to file a claim at an Employment Tribunal on your behalf.
If you believe you've been unfairly discriminated against because of your age – whether you're young or old - speak to one of our experienced solicitors today. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we'll call you.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s age discrimination lawyers?
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect in the workplace. Age discrimination can be incredibly troubling, causing difficulties not only at work, but with your health and well-being too. It is therefore critical that if you’re experiencing discrimination at work, you speak to a specialist solicitor who can help work with you to set things right.
Our friendly and compassionate employment team have an outstanding track record of success in handling age discrimination cases, and many of our solicitors have received recognition from esteemed legal publications such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. With a wealth of experience and expertise, you can trust that you are in good hands.
I am very happy with the service provided which was professional, quick and efficient. I would certainly recommend Slater and Gordon Lawyers should any chance arise. Huge thank you!
V K (employment case)
The Manchester Office has been very professional, helpful and prompt when dealing with a settlement agreement regarding my voluntary redundancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Slater and Gordon for any employment law issue.
D M (employment case)
I would 100% recommend Slater and Gordon if you need any help in employment law. They offer an incredible service.
H L (employment case)
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of employment solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of employment law. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that employment situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Frequently asked questions about age discrimination
What should I do if I feel that I have been discriminated against?
If you feel you’ve been discriminated against due to your age, it is important to know where you can turn for support and how to take the first steps in putting things right. Our friendly and compassionate solicitors are always on hand to offer guidance and legal advice when you need it most.
That being said, it can often be a good idea to try to resolve the issue informally first. Speak to your manager, employer or HR team about the issue you’re facing and how it might be addressed. Where this is not successful, you may wish to consider legal action.
How much can you claim for age discrimination?
There is no cap on how much you may be able to claim for age discrimination. The total value of a claim will vary from case to case, so it’s always a good idea to speak to a specialist solicitor about your personal circumstances in the first instance.
Any compensation will look to address the injury to feelings caused, as well as any financial loss that may have been incurred due to the discrimination.
How do I prove age discrimination?
Proving age discrimination can be tough, but our solicitors are here to support you. To make a successful case, you’ll need to be able to prove that you’ve been treated unfairly compared to a colleague of a different age.
What this proof looks like could differ depending on the scenario; for instance, if you believe you’ve been passed over for a promotion due to your age, you may need to prove that you have equivalent or better experience or qualifications compared to the colleague chosen for promotion and that one significant difference is age.
I am very happy with the service provided which was professional, quick and efficient. I would certainly recommend Slater and Gordon Lawyers should any chance arise. Huge thank you! V K (employment case)
The Manchester Office has been very professional, helpful and prompt when dealing with a settlement agreement regarding my voluntary redundancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Slater and Gordon for any employment law issue. D M (employment case)
I would 100% recommend Slater and Gordon if you need any help in employment law. They offer an incredible service. H L (employment case)