CIPD urges managers to prepare for new legislation

The impact of new age discrimination laws, due to come into force in 2006, will be at the centre of debate at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Annual Employment Law Conference. A panel of experts will discuss the changes needed and the implications for organisations when the new age discrimination laws come into force next year.

CIPD research finds as many as one in five have been discouraged from applying for a job because it contained an age restriction. But, next year British employers could be acting illegally if they continue to let age considerations prejudice their recruitment decisions. Employers should start preparing for the new legislation now in order to avoid litigation.

The Annual Employment Law Conference brings leading experts together to update employers on the latest developments in UK employment legislation and outline the practical implications of changes to the law. The conference includes the following:

- The Honourable Mr Justice Burton, Chairman, Central Arbitration Committee and President, Employment Appeal Tribunal

- Sam Mercer, Director, Employers Forum on Age, in a panel discussion on age, pensions and the law

- An update day on how employers can avoid discrimination. This covers equal pay and sex discrimination, disability, race and age discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation, religion and belief.

The latest CIPD research on Employment and the Law will be launched at the conference and a free copy will be available to all delegates. It investigates employer’s awareness of legislation, attitudes towards employment law and the obstacles it can cause. It also examines issues surrounding the new rights to request flexible working and the working time directive.

Geoff Armstrong, CIPD Director General and Chair of the conference, says, It is not just the personnel department and those at the top that need to be aware of the latest legislation, but also those directly responsible for recruiting and managing staff. Line managers play a huge role in making sure the organisation complies with legislation, so employers must work with managers if they are going to avoid costly court challenges.