Age Discrimination Ireland

age discrimination workplace

What is age discrimination in the workplace?

Age discrimination in the workplace is a pervasive issue in Ireland, with older workers often facing unfair treatment and bias in hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions.

At Employment Matters, we are committed to fighting age discrimination and protecting the rights of older workers. Our team has years of experience in employment law, and we can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your rights are upheld.

If you have experienced age discrimination at work, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Age Discrimination Webinar

We recently ran a webinar on Age Discrimination ran by Neil Breheny. 

Signs of Age Discrimination

Age discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that can significantly impact older employees’ lives. In Ireland, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on age, but unfortunately, this discrimination is common.

Here are some signs that you may be experiencing age discrimination in the workplace:

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How We Can Help with Age discrimination in the Workplace

At Employment Matters, we are committed to helping employees who have been subjected to age discrimination in the workplace. We are here to help you protect your rights and seek justice.

If you believe you are being discriminated against based on your age in the workplace, our solicitors can help you in several ways.

We can provide legal advice and guidance on your rights and options. We can help you to understand the law and how it applies to your situation, and we can help you to determine the best course of action to take.

We can also represent you in any legal proceedings that may be necessary. This may include negotiating with your employer on your behalf or taking your case to court if necessary. 

We can help you seek compensation for any losses or damages you may have suffered due to the age discrimination you have experienced. This may include compensation for lost wages, benefits, and other damages.

If you are experiencing age discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to contact us for legal advice and representation.

The Remedies for age discrimination

Age discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under Irish law, and individuals who have experienced such discrimination may be entitled to certain remedies. 

The remedies currently available for age discrimination in the workplace in Ireland include the following:

Complaint: The first step for an individual who has experienced age discrimination in the workplace is to make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC is responsible for enforcing employment equality legislation and can investigate complaints of discrimination. 

Compensation: If the WRC or Labour Court finds age discrimination has occurred in your company, the individual may be entitled to compensation. The compensation awarded will depend on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the discrimination and the financial losses suffered by the individual.

Reinstatement or Re-engagement: In some cases, the individual may be entitled to reinstatement or re-engagement in their former or similar roles in the company. This remedy is typically awarded when the discrimination has resulted in the individual losing their job.

Order for Equal Treatment: The WRC or Labour Court may order the employer to cease the discriminatory practice and ensure equal treatment for all employees going forward. They may need to start implementing training for managers and staff on the prohibition of age discrimination in the workplace.

Non-Financial Remedies: In addition to financial remedies, the WRC or Labour Court may also award non-financial remedies such as a formal apology or a reference for future employment.

Punitive Damages: In some cases, the individual may be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish the employer for their discriminatory conduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in exceptional circumstances and are typically reserved for cases where the discrimination was severe or intentional.

How Employment Matters Can Assist You

If you have experienced age discrimination in your company in Ireland. In that case, our law firm can assist you in taking legal action to challenge the dismissal and seek justice under Irish law.

In Ireland, employees have certain rights and protections under the law regarding age discrimination.

Employers must follow fair procedures when age discrimination takes place.

If you feel that you have been treated unfairly due to your age, you may be entitled to seek compensation or take legal action to challenge the dismissal.

Our team of experienced solicitors have a deep understanding of Irish employment law and can help you navigate the process of making a claim for age discrimination in Ireland.

We can provide you with information about your rights under Irish law, help you gather and present evidence, and represent you in any legal proceedings that may be necessary.

If you have experienced age discrimination in Ireland, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance.

Download our Guide on Age Discrimination below!

Age Discrimination Workplace FAQs

Age discrimination in the workplace refers to any unfair treatment or bias against an individual based on age. These biases can include discrimination in hiring, promotions, job assignments, pay, benefits, or any other aspect of employment.

Yes, age discrimination is illegal in Ireland under the Employment Equality Acts of 1998-2015. This legislation protects employees and job seekers from discrimination based on their age.

Some examples of age discrimination in the workplace include:

  • Refusing to hire or promote someone because of their age
  • Treating an older employee differently from younger employees 
  • Forcing an older employee to retire based on their age
  • Making ageist comments or jokes about an employee’s age

If you have experienced age discrimination at work, you can file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC is an independent body that investigates complaints of discrimination and can award compensation to individuals who have been subjected to discrimination.

In some cases, an employer may be able to set an age limit for a job if they can show that it is necessary for the job. For example, an employer may set an age limit for a physically demanding job if they can demonstrate that the age limit is necessary for the health and safety of the individual or others.

However, in most cases, setting an age limit for a job is considered discriminatory and not allowed.

How does it work?

Do you have a claim?

We start by establishing whether or not you have a claim.

Get planning

Then, if you do and you want to pursue it, we’ll help guide you through the complex process of making that claim.

Don't delay!

That said, you only have a limited time to lodge your complaint to the WRC or Labour Court, so act fast.

Unfairly treated at work because of your age?

Contact us today to speak to one of our employment law experts. Take the first step towards justice.

Download our Free Guide to Age Discrimination below!

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