The ACAS guidance points out that fairness at work and good job performance go hand in hand. What's more, tackling discrimination helps to attract, motivate and retain staff and enhances your reputation as an employer.

Employers: Risks and Opportnities

Employers that are not age positive will lose out on the skills and experience of staff. Furthermore employees who are subjected to discrimination, harassment or victimisation may:

• be unhappy
• less productive
• less motivated
• resign
• make a complaint to an employment tribunal

In addition employers may find:

• their reputation as a business and as an employer may be damaged
• the cost of recruitment and training will increase because of higher employee turnover
• they may be liable to pay compensation following a claim to an employment tribunal – there is no upper limit to the amount of this compensation.

The ACAS guidance aims to:

• help employers and vocational training providers fulfil their obligations under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
• make employees, job seekers and trainees aware of how they will be affected by the regulations

How Kineo Can Help

Kineo has also produced a set of resources including a 30 minute e-learning module to help organisations prepare for the new Age Regulations. Further details can be found on our Age 2006 site. If you would like to view a demonstration of these materials and the e-learning module please contact age@kineo.com.

The ACAS guidance can be downloaded here (PDF document 578k).