It was widely reported in the national press this week how elderly members of staff at the Marquess of Bath’s estate at Longleat had been forced to retire.
It was reported that over a two week period, every worker over 65 years, including 18 over the age of 70, had been given their marching orders by the Marquess’s son Ceawlin, who now runs the estate.
So is this allowed?
At the moment, employers can compulsorily retire an employee at 65 but only until new legislation comes into force in October 2011, that will prevent them from doing so.
This forthcoming change is thought to be behind the action at Longleat and Age UK has reported that similar incidents have been brought into its attention.
So is the answer to get rid of all the oldies now?
This approach should be used with some caution and employers will need to make sure that they do not discriminate against people on the grounds of their age. If they are going to make anyone compulsorily retire, then they must make sure that they do so in accordance with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.
Failure to do so could result in hefty orders being made against them by the Employment Tribunal which might prove very expensive indeed, even if you are a Marquess.
It was reported that over a two week period, every worker over 65 years, including 18 over the age of 70, had been given their marching orders by the Marquess’s son Ceawlin, who now runs the estate.
So is this allowed?
At the moment, employers can compulsorily retire an employee at 65 but only until new legislation comes into force in October 2011, that will prevent them from doing so.
This forthcoming change is thought to be behind the action at Longleat and Age UK has reported that similar incidents have been brought into its attention.
So is the answer to get rid of all the oldies now?
This approach should be used with some caution and employers will need to make sure that they do not discriminate against people on the grounds of their age. If they are going to make anyone compulsorily retire, then they must make sure that they do so in accordance with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.
Failure to do so could result in hefty orders being made against them by the Employment Tribunal which might prove very expensive indeed, even if you are a Marquess.
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