Age discrimination ban response published

The coalition UK Government has published its response to the consultation on exceptions from an age discrimination ban in the provision of services and public functions.

These will be implemented subject to Parliamentary approval, from 1 October 2012.

The government says it is taking a proportionate approach and that the new law will only prohibit harmful or unjustifiable treatment that results in genuinely unfair discrimination because of age.

Harassment related to age will also be banned, as will victimisation resulting from complaints about discrimination or harassment.

However, the ban on discrimination will not affect the many ‘entirely justifiable' instances of different treatment that do not cause any harm and according to the Government Equalities Office, it strikes the right balance between the interests of business and consumers.

The Government's response to that consultation, including the draft exceptions Order can be found here.

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