Recruiters and employers need to gear up for age discrimination laws coming into force in October.

Trade and Industry secretary Alan Johnson has finalised details of new legislation to outlaw age discrimination in the workplace.

“Ageism will affect more people at some stage in their lives than any other form of discrimination. But until now the law of the land has allowed it to continue,” he said.

The regulations will ban age discrimination in terms of recruitment, promotion and training.

Recruitment agencies have been quick to argue that they have already taken the necessary action. Michael Page's UK finance director David Drummond said all agencies should have a project in place to ensure they are ready for the new legislation.

This will involve awareness training for staff, he said, adding: “At Michael Page, we have encompassed age in the overall objective of developing an inclusive and diverse company culture. Consultant training also remains an important part of our plan.”

Johnson said: “As we are living longer and healthier lives, it is essential that the talents of older workers are not wasted.

'It's all about choice - not work till you drop, but choose when you stop.”

The regulations are the last major stage of the European Employment Directive. Subject to Parliamentary approval, they will come into force in October.

Research by the Employers' Forum on Age (EFA) found that 40% of firms expect age discrimination legislation to have a greater impact than sex and race discrimination laws.

EFA director Sam Mercer said: “An employer who hasn't got age equality as a priority in their business is going to be in trouble.”