One year after the introduction of the age discrimination legislation, it is clear that discrimination in the workplace persists, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). 

The REC is a member of the Employers Forum on Age which discovered that 59% of workers have witnessed age discrimination in the last year. Interestingly though the legislation against this discrimination is well known, with 86% of people knowing that it is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of age.

Tom Hadley, the REC’s director of external relations, says: “With such a high awareness of the legislation it is shocking that one year on people are still witnessing age discrimination. Recruitment is a key stage when discrimination can occur in the workplace and it is important that employers work with recruiters who know what they’re doing to avoid being caught be the legislation.

“A switched-on agency can not only guard against litigation.  An agency that understands diversity issues will actively seek wider talent pools for their clients – leading to better candidates being placed.  The REC encourages its members to work to the best practice standards outlined in the Pledge.”