As we go through life, we expect that all of our intense, hard work will be rewarded and honored. Year after year, we put our heart and soul into our work and give it our all. Other than sleep, work is often where we spend most of our time, week after week, month after month. We’d like to think that our dedication will be rewarded. Unfortunately, instead of being appreciated for their efforts many find that they are treated poorly as they age.
Age discrimination is present throughout society, so it’s no surprise that is also found in the workplace. In a way, it seems like it is a more socially acceptable form of discrimination than other types. Even casual comments in the workplace about someone being “past their prime” or “a little old for the job” can affect an individual’s mental well-being and undermine their place in the work force. If you have experienced poor treatment or even termination due to how old you are, it’s important to retain the services of age discrimination lawyers who can protect your rights on the job.
Employment Age Discrimination
Year after year, we see employees who are pressured to leave work earlier than they intended because of their older age. Even though the Government eliminated the default retirement age in 2011, it’s common to see age discrimination in the workplace when employers try to push older workers out the door.
Age discrimination affects both men and women, and may be seen when employees as young as 50 are considered to old for their executive positions. Even casual comments about an older employee being “past their prime” or “too old to keep up with change” can undermine an individuals place in the workforce. Companies and organizations may also try to force out older workers so they can replace them with younger workers who receive less pay for the work they do.
The Stress of Age Discrimination
When an employee has given their all to a job and an employer, they have a right to expect their work and effort will be rewarded. They also have a right to be treated in a fair and honorable manner. Many older workers, however, find that they face a “fight or flight” stress response just by coming to work.
If you arrive at work each day only to face an abusive boss or supervisors who want to force you out of your job because you are older, stress levels skyrocket. The risk of losing your paycheck and all that you have worked for puts a tremendous strain on your nervous system, and can also begin to affect your emotional and physical well-being too.
Protections Under the Equality Act
Under the Equality Act, there are four primary types of age discrimination. When someone treats you in a worse way than another individual due to your age, that is considered direct discrimination. If an organisation has a policy that applies to everyone, but puts the people in our age group at a true disadvantage, that’s indirect discrimination.
If people at work make you feel degraded, offended or humiliated, that is harassment. Victimisation occurs when you are treated badly or unfairly because of a complaint you have made about age under the provisions of the Equality Act.