Possible effects of age discrimination law

LONDON, Sep 29 (Reuters) Here are some of the possible practical effects of the new age discrimination laws.

-- Forty per cent of UK employers believe that more than half of employment tribunal cases will contain some element of age discrimination after the new rules come into force, according to a survey by the Employers Forum on Age (EFA).

-- One particular sector which may face a wave of age-related lawsuits is the investment banking industry. The City's ruthless hire and fire culture and punishing work schedules have long been seen as favouring younger workers. Before the new law, unfair dismissal claims had a compensation cap of 58,400 pounds but now, as with sex and race discrimination claims, there will be no limit.

-- Employers may have to clamp down on ''ageist'' banter in the workplace in the same way as they already do on racist or homophobic comments. Referring to older workers as ''dinosaurs'' for example will not be a good career move from next week. Better too not to talk about old dogs and new tricks.

-- The new rules aim to protect workers at the other end of the age scale as well, for example those who may face jibes over their lack of experience or who feel they are losing out because they look younger than they really are.

-- Older people will not have to worry about whether Saga holidays for the over-50s will be outlawed, neither will younger ones face the disappearance of firms like Club 18-30. The new laws apply only to the workplace, not to goods and services.

-- Employers will not be able to specify a particular age for job applicants and personnel departments will have to be careful about using words like ''mature'' or ''energetic'' in job ads.

-- Further Education Colleges might be wary of offering reduced fees for pensioners. Their umbrella body, the Association of Colleges is advising them to be careful about the wording of any concessions.

REUTERS PR PM1649