Up to two-thirds of employers may still discriminate based on age, according to legal experts.
Research from law firm Browne Jacobson has shown that with new anti-age discrimination set to take effect in just a week’s time, 65% of business leaders believe their company is not ready to comply with the new measures.
A further third said that despite the law, age might deter them from hiring an otherwise suitable candidate. In regions such as the Midlands and the North, this figure rose to almost half.
Just 35% of company directors said they believe their business is ready for the change in law, yet the majority, at a staggering 82%, say they are unconcerned, believing they are not facing any legal risk.
“Employers risk substantial tribunal claims if they don’t take this new legislation seriously,” said Peter Jones, employment partner at Browne Jacobson.
“While companies tend to concentrate on the issue of discrimination against older workers, our research suggests that the young are actually more likely to face discrimination in the workplace.
“Business can’t afford to be complacent about this new age discrimination legislation. While many have taken steps to amend contracts and job advertisements, what really needs to change is the apparent view that equates age with ability.”
The study found that most employers have a preference for younger or older job candidates depending on the position for which they are trying to recruit. A fifth said that age concerns would deter them from a younger applicant, while 14% said the same of older candidates.
The poll also found that directors were three times more likely to believe that older people are more hardworking and ambitious than younger people.