Age discrimination claims have risen by 37% in the past year, according to data from the Employment Tribunals Service.

The figures reveal that the median amount awarded by tribunals in age-related cases, £5,868, is on par with several other discrimination strands but the maximum award for a case of age discrimination, £48,710, was significantly less than those awarded in four out of the other five discrimination strands – disability (£729,347), sex (£442,366), race (£374,922) and sexual orientation (£163,725).

Chris Ball, chief executive of TAEN - The Age and Employment Network, says: “We cannot pretend that age discrimination is not there. Ageism remains a persistent barrier for older people still in work. However there is increased awareness of age discrimination and the legislation shows older workers that they have some redress.”