Current News
Age is still a number which can result in discrimination
One year after the introduction of the age discrimination legislation it is clear that discrimination in the workplace persists. 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.
Commenting on this survey Tom Hadley, Director of External Relations at the REC said “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.”
REC launched a Diversity Pledge for members in December 2005 which sets a standard for all recruitment agencies to work to. This pledge covers all aspects of diversity policy, including age.
Hadley concluded “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. REC encourages its members to work to the best practice standards outlined in the Pledge.”
Information on diversity matters and the Pledge can be read at: http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/diversity/diversity-signthepledge
Further information on the EFA research can be read at: http://www.efa.org.uk/press/press-release026.asp
