A representative from employment relations agency Acas has claimed that age discrimination is still a major problem facing British companies, despite government plans to scrap the default retirement age (DRA).
The group's equality services head Steve Williams pointed out that some older workers still feel sufficiently ill treated that they take legal action against their employer and suggested bosses' understanding of the issue is not yet fully formed.
"Employers need to update their policies as well as making sure line managers are properly trained on the changes," he explained. "They should also be sensitive to the fact older workers are more likely to become disabled."
Mr Williams acknowledged that a growing number of UK firms are seeking to make use of the knowledge and expertise possessed by more experienced staff, but urged managers to prepare for the end of the DRA in April 2011.
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Posted by Ross George
