Workplace relations and employment law specialist, Acas, has published new guidance to help prevent age discrimination at work.

Research has found that staff aged over 50 now make up nearly a third of the UK workforce and the number of older workers is steadily rising.

Staff of any age can become victims of age discrimination of work, but it is something that particularly affects young and older employees. Acas' new guide offers employers essential advice on how to comply with the Equality Act, which protects employees against discrimination based on age.

Sarah Clews, Acas chief executive, said: "Discriminating against someone due to their age is against the law and employers should ensure their work environments are inclusive.

"Assumptions such as older workers not knowing how to use the latest tech or younger workers spending all of their time on smart phones may seem harmless, but the effect of age stereotypes can have a detrimental impact on staff and employers. Age stereotyping can make people feel demotivated at work or quit their jobs, which can cost businesses through a loss in productivity or talented staff."

The new Acas advice includes guidance on recruitment, training, performance management, redundancy and other areas where age discrimination may be most likely to occur.

View the new guidance 'Age discrimination: key points for the workplace' and myths at www.acas.org.uk/agediscrimination 

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