New regulations to end age discrimination

Equality Minister David Hanson has today announced the commencement of new regulations to prohibit age discrimination in employment and vocational training.

The new regulations create important new rights and responsibilities for every employee and business in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the Equality Commissions headquarters in Belfast Mr Hanson said: “I am delighted to have met with representatives of a wide range of organisations this morning as this significant new addition to anti-discrimination legislation comes into operation.

“Discrimination knows no age barrier and this legislation covers people of all ages. It will have far-reaching consequences and the Equality Commission has a key role to play in working with the business community to help employers fulfil their obligations under the regulations.”

The regulations prohibit unjustified direct and indirect age discrimination, and all harassment and victimisation on grounds of age in employment and vocational training and apply to individuals in work, seeking work or access to training, and to all employers and providers of vocational training (including further and higher education institutions).

The Minister also announced that the occupational pension provisions which form part of the Age Regulations will not now come into operation until December 1 2006.

The decision to defer commencement of the pension’s aspect of the Regulations is in response to concerns raised by the pensions industry.

Speaking about the delay, the Minister said: “The additional two-months will give occupational pension schemes more time to adjust to the new age discrimination regulations following a period of significant activity within the pensions sector.

“The additional time will be used to consider whether any amendments should be made to the pension provisions in the Age Regulations to provide greater clarity for pension schemes and employers.”

(EF/SP)