Age discrimination ban

People who believe they have been treated unfairly because of their age are now protected and have the right to bring a legal challenge, under new rules introduced on 1 October 2012. The introduction of the age discrimination ban is the final key part of the Equality Act 2010 to be implemented.

Age discrimination is already unlawful in the workplace but the new ban now provides protection to ensure older and younger people get fair treatment in the provision of goods, facilities and services. 

Minister for Women and Equalities Helen Grant said:
‘Discrimination can affect people at different times of their lives - both old and young people may be treated in a different way simply because of their age.

This sort of prejudice has no place in modern society and it is right that we introduce legislation that will protect people from unfair treatment.

Not only are we providing protection against age discrimination, but we have been careful to ensure that the law strikes the right balance between protecting older people and allowing business to make sensible decisions.’

Further information about the age ban in the provision of services and public functions can be found here