One third of employers may still discriminate on the basis of age, according to new research from law firm Browne Jacobson.

It found that 65% of business leaders believe their company is not ready for the new discrimination legislation which comes into force on 1 October.

Company directors confessed a preference for hiring younger or older candidates depending on the position. Around 20% said that age considerations might put them off a younger applicant, while 14% were deterred from hiring older candidates.

Peter Jones, employment partner at the legal firm, says: “Business can’t afford to be complacent about this new age discrimination. While many have taken steps to amend contracts and job advertisements, what really needs to be changed is the apparent view that equates age with ability.”