Information & advice

Ageism has a dramatic, detrimental effect on older people but this is often not acknowledged. We want to highlight this as a major issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the fair treatment of older people.

Some of these situations may be familiar to you:

• Being refused interest-free credit, a new credit card or car insurance because of your age
• Finding that an organisation’s attitude to older people results in you receiving a lower quality of service
• Age limits on benefits such as Disability Living Allowance
• A doctor deciding not to refer you to a consultant because you are ‘too old’
• Losing your job because of your age

 

New age discrimination law

On 1st October 2006, a new age discrimination law (The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006) came into force in England, Wales and Scotland. The Regulations provide protection against age discrimination in employment, training and adult education, for people of all ages. 

See the Ageism in the Workplace section for more details on how the new law could affect you.

Why is Ageism unacceptable?

Ageism is not obvious. You may not be aware it's happening, but it may result in you receiving different treatment.

Until the above new law comes in you have no legal rights against ageism.

But we’re determined to highlight its effects and campaign against it.

Ageism - often referred to as age discrimination - exists in many areas of life and not only causes personal hardship and injustice but also harms the economy.

We are campaigning to end ageism in all walks of life. We believe older people should have equal rights to participate and enjoy all the benefits of a modern society.

Help and information

If you have been in this situation you may find the following resources helpful:

• Your rights at work - FS4
• Age Discrimination Law - Information Sheet 17
• Helpline: Freephone us on 0800 00 99 66