Older people experience most age discrimination. However, it
also takes place against young people.
It is now unlawful for an employer to impose a
lower age limit when recruiting, unless this age restriction can be
justified as having no reasonable alternative. For example, a
firm hiring workers to do physically demanding work might have a
case for setting a maximum or minimum age for health and safety
reasons.
Special Protection For
Under-18’s
For under-18-year-olds more specific regulations apply covering
restrictions about their exposure to hazards and limits on their
working hours.
As a general rule under-18’s must not be allowed to carry out tasks
which:
Exceed their physical or mental
capabilities.
Expose them to substances which are
toxic or cause cancer.
Expose them to radiation.
Involve extreme heat, noise or
vibration.
Involve risks that they are unlikely
to recognise or avoid because of their lack of experience or
training or their insufficient attention to safety.
If workers are over the minimum school leaving
age but under 18 they must not work more than eight hours a day or
40 hours per week and must not work between 22:00 and 06:00
An employer must carry out risk assessments
under health and safety law paying particular attention to the
supervision, safety and training of those under the age of 18.
See this
Business Link website for more information.