Age discrimination: the way ahead?

The University of Teesside has launched a pioneering project, which aims to explore age discrimination in the work place. The project, entitled ‘Age & Attitudes’, is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). It invites Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) throughout the North-East to share best practice regarding the age diversity of their employees, with the University’s School of Business & Management.

Companies and other organisations who employ 250 employees or less, with an annual turnover of no more than £25 million and based in Tees Valley, Darlington, Durham, Sunderland or Newcastle-upon-Tyne are welcome to join the research. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2001.

Catherine McCauley-Smith, the Project’s Manager, said: “New European legislation to make discrimination on the grounds of age illegal is just around the corner. We will research the experience of age discrimination and its impact on employee attitudes in SMEs throughout the North-East. This project will serve employers well by providing age attitude profiles, both young and old, and enable organisations to enhance their ability to meet future legislative requirements.

“The research is pioneering as historically little research has been undertaken in the region to examine factors associated with work-based age discrimination. It is also important because, in addition to new legislation, the pool of younger resources is shrinking and will come to a standstill in our region by 2015. Therefore, employers need to consider the benefits of employing older workers now”.

For more information call Catherine McCauley-Smith in the University’s Commercial Development Centre on 01642 342829, fax 01642 342889, e-mail c.mccauley@tees.ac.uk

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