Age discrimination factsheet

Who is protected?

“Age” is one of nine characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010 (EqA) and covers discrimination based on all ages, young and old. Age can be any particular age or age group and discrimination can occur on the grounds of a person’s assumed age as well as on the grounds of his or her actual age. Discrimination can also occur when the less favourable treatment is because of the age of someone with whom the complainant associates; for example, because the individual has young children.

The EqA protects job applicants, employees and all other workers, other than the genuinely self-employed from age discrimination.