UK Government plans to outlaw age discrimination

Firms and organisations that offer goods and services based on age will have to revise their policies or risk breaking the law from April 2012.

Proposals put forward for consultation by the government ban unfair discrimination against someone because of age when providing goods and services.

The ban applies equally to the old and young – the rules will make refusing service to someone because they are 25 years old is just as unlawful as refusing service to someone who is aged 85.

The ban does not apply to children aged under 18.

Specific exceptions will let companies or organisations like councils offer beneficial services to certain age groups – for example, free bus travel for over-60s, or holidays aimed at people aged 30 and under.

Financial services firms, including insurance companies, can still use age when assessing risk and deciding prices, so long as they can show the decision is based on sound evidence and is not simply an arbitrary decision.
Insurers and brokers will also be asked to help people if they are unable to provide cover for age-related reasons by signposting other providers.

Time to end outdated stereotypes, says minister

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said:“It’s high time we put an end to outdated stereotypes based on age and recognise the valuable contributions that people of all ages can make to our society and economy. When older people are turned away from the market place through unfair treatment, the economy misses out on increased business and revenue.

“These proposals will ensure that doesn’t happen, providing new protection and support for people of all ages. We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater, which is why we will allow businesses to continue to provide the age-specific services that many people of all ages benefit from every day.”
Workplace age discrimination has been illegal since 2006.

Extending the ban to the provision of goods and services follows the announcement earlier this year that the government plans to phase out the default retirement age, which can be used to force people to retire at 65 even if they don’t want to.

The government is seeking views from people of all ages, as well as those working in relevant industries in a consultation running for three months before making the proposed ban a law.

The full proposals can be downloaded from the Government Equalities Office web site at http://www.equalities.gov.uk/

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