Product category:
Building Trade Associations and Institutes
News Release from: The Forum of Private Business | Subject: Age discrimination laws
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 August 2006
Act now as age discrimination deadline
looms
The Forum of Private Business is warning its members to prepare for new age discrimination laws.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning its members to prepare for new age discrimination laws which are now within 50 days of implementation The new regulations mean employers must make sure staff are treated equally regardless of their age and the FPB's Chief Executive Nick Goulding said the new legislation could catch smaller businesses out unless they plan ahead
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 8 Sep 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
FPB warning on Age Discrimination laws
Age Discrimination laws could lead to further increases in claims against firms warns The Forum of Private Business.
FPB survey shows firms think postal changes costly
Smaller businesses think the changes to the postal system being introduced on 21 August will lead to an increase in costs.
FPB response to the Macrory Review consultation
The Forum of Private Business has called proposals to hand out penalties to firms in breach of regulations, a backward step.
"Smaller businesses may not have the human resources departments set aside to review their practices".
"When new legislation comes into place they could potentially be hit with employment tribunals and hefty fines," he said "I would encourage businesses to review their practices in advance of the October deadline to make sure all employees get help, guidance, promotion and development irrelevant of their age".
Firms must make sure that employees also receive adequate termination periods and equal perks and pay irrelevant of how old they are.
The FPB, which represents around 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, wants to increase awareness of the changes brought about by legislation and the consequences of not complying.
Mr Goulding said smaller businesses cannot afford to simply ignore the changes.
"Owners and managers of smaller firms have closer working relationships with their employees, but they must make sure that they don't become complacent as a result".
Susan Waite runs South Tyneside Training and Enterprise Network and rang FPB in August to ask about changes in retirement age.
"We updated our staff handbook so that they can access the information easily," she said.
"We offer free advice to job seekers in South Tyneside, so our staff being able to help older jobseekers and know where they stand legally, helps them do their job." she added.
Members of the FPB who have a query about how the new age discrimination laws could affect their business can call the Member Information Service.
The service is free to all FPB members, and our MIS experts offer advice and support on all aspects of running a business.
FPB can provide solutions to concerns or put members in touch with a heavyweight specialist who can.
• The Forum of Private Business: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
