Posted By James Perry As of October 2006 it becomes unlawful to discriminate against anyone based on their age. We currently have a young workers policy, which dictates that Young Workers (i.e. 16-17 year olds) will not be employed as technicians (most work 12 shifts, days and nights). Whilst this is in line with statute (WTD, HASAW, etc), it niggles that we could be picked up on it when advertising or refusing applications. Has anyone an amended Young Workers policy (including this change) that they would be willing to share, or any other advice or opinion? Regards Jim

Posted By Stupendous Man Agree with Kieran - you cannot allow someone to be exposed to unacceptable levels of risk in the name of preventing 'age discrimination' (same goes for race and disability).

Posted By James Perry Thank you all, I appreciate the advice. Regards Jim

Posted By peter gotch Hi James, Plenty of case law world wide to confirm that you need to strike an appropriate balance between safety requirements and discrimination policies, particularly where the safety requirements are not spelled out in legislative print, i.e. are what you conclude from risk assessment as being apparently necessary. Regards, Peter