Skip to main content
In order to provide complete functionality, this web site needs your explicit consent to store browser cookies. If you don't allow cookies, you may not be able to use certain features of the web site including but not limited to: log in, buy products, see personalized content, switch between site cultures. It is recommended that you allow all cookies.
 
 
Unsure of your equality rights or the law? We can provide advice and assistance for people who feel they have been discriminated against.
 
 

Age

Education service

What you need to know

How we can help

The Legislation
 

Have I been discriminated against because of my age?


If you have been treated unfairly because of your age, this may be unlawful discrimination.

 

Age discrimination applies regardless of age and only in employment and occupation; further and higher education and vocational training.

 

If you are treated worse than another person in a similar situation, on grounds of age, you can challenge that treatment under the law.

What is covered?

 

Is all age discrimination the same?

 

How am I protected against age discrimination?

 

What are my options?

 

Useful publications

 
 

Time limits apply

Complaints against institutions of further and higher education must be made to the county court and lodged in writing within six months of the act in question.

Your complaint of unlawful discrimination against a vocational training provider must be made within three months of the act in question.

Even if you are attempting to resolve problems, the statutory time limits still apply.  You may wish to issue proceedings to protect your legal interests if the matter has not resolved close to the expiry of the time limit.

If your time limit has expired the tribunal has discretion to extend the time for you to lodge your claim; this is used sparingly and it is unwise to assume that an extension will be granted.



< Education service problem

 
Ask for advice
If you require information or advice please complete our online form. All information you submit is confidential – and if you wish to be contacted by us, please let us know the best way for you. You don’t have to share any personal information with us – we will not be able to identify you if that is your preference.



Make a discrimination complaint
We may be able to provide you with legal assistance. If you want to find out more, please use our discrimination complaint form to tell us the nature of your discrimination complaint and whether it is related to your age, disability, gender, race, religious belief/political opinion or sexual orientation.

Tell us what happened and we will contact you to talk through your complaint further.

 
 

Equality Commission NI
Alternatively, contact us:

Telephone: 028 90 500 600
Email: information@equalityni.org

Address:
Equality House
7-9 Shaftesbury Square
Belfast  BT2 7DP

 

We have listed below current legislation relevant to age discrimination. You should note that equality and anti-discrimination law may be changed or updated. The law is also complex and can require interpretation. Please feel free to contact our discrimination advice team if you need clarification or guidance on what the law means. Email: discriminationadvice@equalityni.org or tel: 028 90 500 600.

Age Discrimination Law

Main law:
 

• Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (NI) 2006


Amending laws:
 

• Employment Equality (Age) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2006

• Employment Equality (Age) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (NI) 2006

• Employment Equality (Age) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009

• Employment Equality (Age) (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations (NI) 2011

European Union law:
 

  • Directive 2000/78/EC - equal treatment in employment on grounds of religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation, age
 

 
Print All