Yorkshire-based Relay Recruitment has launched a specialist consultancy, Premier Selection, to guide employers and candidates through new anti-age discrimination laws.

Gordon Murdoch, who heads up the division, says: "The new rules present huge opportunities. We are showing businesses how to gain competitive advantage by re-appraising policies on the recruitment and retention of older employees.

“Those who do embrace age positive thinking stand to reap great dividends, as studies have shown that over 50s are more conscientious, more productive, more punctual, more loyal and far less likely to take sick leave, post other absenteeisms or move on than younger workers."