Campaigns - new age legislation 

From 1 October 2006, it is unlawful for employers and others to discriminate on grounds of age in the areas of employment and training, including vocational training and further and higher education.

As part of the age campaign the Commission developed an age related drama to increase awareness of the new age regulations in a rights based capacity. For more information click here

The Age Regulations apply to all employers, regardless of size, and all vocational training providers (including Further and Higher Education Institutions). They protect all employees (and former employees in some circumstances), job seekers and all vocational trainees across all age groups.

Age discrimination law requires employers and vocational training providers to review policies, practices and attitudes to ensure that a person´s age does not influence decisions that are made regarding selection for a job, promotion, training, redundancy, etc, unless there is a justifiable reason for age to be taken into account. Harassment on grounds of age is also unlawful.

For a summary of the key provisions of the Age Regulations click here.

Role of Equality Commission

Under the Age Regulations, the Equality Commission has a responsibility to provide information and advice to employers and training providers and to those who may be discriminated against. The Commission has produced the following guidance:

Age Discrimination in Northern Ireland - A Guide for Employers

Age Discrimination in Northern Ireland - A Guide for Workers and Employees

Information, advice and training

The Commission can provide advice and guidance to employers and training providers on the age legislation and on good practice. To speak to an employer adviser, please ring 028 90 890 890. For further information please contact us

If you think you have been discriminated against on grounds of your age in any of the areas covered by the law or if you need to know more about your rights, please contact our Discrimination Advice team - tel: 028 90 890 890.

If you have a general query about the legislation or require copies of our guidance publications, please contact our information team - tel: 028 90 890 890 or use Contact us.

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