Age discrimination fact sheet
We kick off our series of factsheets with age discrimination. We intend to cover topics which individuals may find of particular interest or, which are universally relevant but tricky to navigate. Our aim is to give basic facts about the… Read on
Discrimination to cost employers more from 6 April as compensation rises
From 6 April 2018, the compensation which successful claimants can recover in discrimination cases will increase as the “Vento guidelines” – which employment tribunals follow when deciding how much to award for injury to feelings – are amended to reflect… Read on
Changes to pension schemes discriminated against younger members
Two recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decisions highlight how pension scheme changes can put younger employees at a disadvantage and be discriminatory on the grounds of age. Background When an employer makes changes to employees’ pension benefits it is… Read on
Discrimination: how far can business decisions be criticised?
In this case, West Midlands Police Force was initially criticised by the Employment Tribunal for making efficiencies by retiring service men and women over the age of 48. The Employment Tribunal said they were guilty of discrimination because there were… Read on
39% of over 50s prefer flexible working before retirement
Following the UK’s silver workforce gaining the right to request flexible working last summer (recap here), a Government poll just published shows that 39% of over 50s not currently retired said that working part time or flexible hours before stopping… Read on
Was compulsory retirement at 70 legal?
Yes, said the employment tribunal in White v Ministry of Justice. Background Mr White was a retired circuit judge. He claimed that the Ministry of Justice’s statutory requirement to retire at age 70 was age discrimination. He argued that, at… Read on
Forced retirement at 65 legal?
In this judgment – probably the final chapter of the long-running Seldon case – the EAT held that the compulsory retirement age at 65 could be justified, and therefore legal. Background Because compulsory retirement at the age of 65 amounts… Read on
Silver workforce gain the right to request flexible working
From today, 30 June 2014, all employees with at least 26 weeks’ continuous service gain the right to request flexible working irrespective of child or dependent caring responsibilities. We anticipate employers will see a significant increase in requests particularly from… Read on
Football referee an employee?
Should a football referee be considered an employee under the Employment Rights Act 1996? No, according to the Employment Appeal Tribunal, in the recent case of Conroy v the Scottish Football Association. Background In this case Mr Conroy, the… Read on
Forcing early retirement unlawful
Was the police force allowed to retire a large number of its officers early to save costs? No, according to an Employment Tribunal in the recent case of Harrod v Midlands Police. Background In order to meet the government’s budget… Read on