Changes in age discrimination law right up Norris street

For Coronation Streetís bumbling busybody Norris Cole, plans to secure a dream late career change were always doomed to fail.

That is even more likely now it has emerged he had made the schoolboy mistake of lying on his CV.

Passing himself off as 46, the 64-year-old former salesman has only lined himself up for further humiliation when his dream falls apart ñ which it inevitably will with comic effect.

But with a little consideration, employment law experts claim he could have turned the tables and landed the job his considerable experience deserves.

Obviously, employers are bound to dismiss Norrisí application the moment they notice he has lied about his age.

But even had he told the truth, under current legislation, there is nothing stopping them from throwing his CV straight into the bin simply because he is too old.

But under proposals due to come into force in October next year (2006), discriminating against a candidate on the basis of age will be illegal and a guaranteed way to end up in court.

Not only will enthusiastic workers like Norris be allowed to work beyond 65, but turning him down purely because he is a more mature candidate will be a short cut to an expensive tribunal.

ìAt the moment, there is absolutely no protection in law for people like Norris, applying for jobs at such a late stage in life,î said legal expert Peter Mooney, of Employment Law Advisory Services (ELAS).

ìOther than target the few enlightened companies such as B&Q who take on older staff, his only hope is to cast his net far and wide and keep his fingers firmly crossed.

ìBut in 12 months, that is all set to change.î

Under the proposals, currently pencilled in for October 2006, it will be illegal to discriminate against anyone ñ pensioner or school leaver - on the basis of age.

ìIn October next year, it will be illegal for anyone to turn down Norris simply because he is 65,î added Mr Mooney.

ìNot only would his CV be safe from being binned on sight, employers would have to think long and hard before turning him down and might even end up opting for experience over enthusiasm.

ìInstead of laughing at him behind his back, Rita and the rest of Weatherfield would have to watch as Norris was given the high-flying job he craves.î