Only two out of 10 managers have done anything to implement new age discrimination legislation, because they are confused by it, according to a report from employment law specialist Peninsula.

Managing director Peter Done says: “A lot of employers have complained that there has been no help from the government and are angry. Companies are not against the new laws - they simply want help and assistance.”

The firm says it has seen the number of calls to its hotlines rise from 8,000 a week to more than 14,000 since the beginning of October.