Age Discrimination changes drive companies to freelancers

Concerns over incoming age discrimination regulations are leading more businesses to consider freelance support.

Research conducted by people4business.com, which runs an online service matching businesses to freelancers and contractors, shows that there has been a marked increase in enquiries from companies looking for interim external support.

ìWhatever the rights or wrongs of the legislation, there is a definite upsurge in interest in using temporary contractor specialists,î says people4business.com Managing Director Duncan Taylor. ìEnquiries from companies about using freelance skills for specific contracts have increased by 74 percent in September compared to the same period in August. As people4business.com focuses entirely on skills and competences, it is entirely compatible with the spirit and the letter of the new legislation.

ìMany companies appear to be concerned about the perceived risks associated with the new legislation.î

The new rules comes into force on October 1 and require employers to thoroughly review their employment policies across the board as the regulations prohibit direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of age in the areas of recruitment, promotion and training.

ìThe risks even include unintentional discrimination through recruitment advertising, for example by selecting images showing only younger people,î says Duncan Taylor. ìCompanies registering with our site are simply saying they do not want to take on additional risk and would rather opt for a more positive recruitment option at a time of some uncertainty.î