Now ëSits Vací Ads Lose Their Youth And Energy - By Law
If youíre looking for staff youíd better watch your language from now on ñ warns top recruitment guru Spencer Jacobs.
Thanks to the new Age Legislation Act UK firms have really got to mind their Ps and Qs ñ or they could find themselves hauled before employment tribunals.
Jacobs, MD at London and Watford-based agency ëForties Peopleí believes that many firms are still ignorant about the effects of the new anti-ageism laws.
He said: ìThere are all sorts of new laws and requirements governing public documents such as situations vacant adverts. I really think a number of advertisers are going to find themselves literally lost for words. You canít use ëenergeticí now because it implies the person is young and able-bodied. The word ëyoungí itself openly discriminates against older applicants - and other words to worry about include ëdynamicí, ëbubblyí, ëtrendyí, ëjuniorí and ëgraduateí.
Jacobsí award-winning agency, which has fought against age discrimination in the workplace for more than a decade, has set up hotlines at both branches for businesses that need guidance and information about the new laws.
London PA Diane Chapman (54) who has been made redundant three times in five years welcomes the new law.
She said: ìThe wording of situations vacant ads seems to have a code of its own. When a company uses the word ëbrightí, I interpret that as ëyoungí.
And when I read: ìDynamic company in Londonís West End, requiresÖ.î I just know they want someone whoís 24 not 54. It is discriminatory.
A spokesman for BusinessLink added: ìCompanies must now focus on the outputs and organisational requirements ñ not the jobholder characteristics. The copy must clearly and accurately set out the job responsibilities ñ and never ask for a date of birth on an application form.î
