Beyond legislation Strong discrimination legislation and legal protections aimed at enforcing fair work practices are important as a mechanism for sanctioning discrimination on the basis of age and act as a normative statement that age discrimination is not tolerated. In and of themselves, however, they are not the solution. Age-based stereotypes inform much discriminatory behaviour and strong action is needed to address ongoing prejudice (conscious and unconscious) against older workers. While legal remedies are available to those who consider they have been discriminated against on the basis of age, it is clear many employers and those in the recruitment industry lack awareness of their legal obligations in respect of age discrimination. Broad strategies are required to promote attitudinal and cultural change across the community. Just as there is a concerted campaign to break gender stereotypes through campaigns such as the Males Champions of Change process, there is also a need to engage employers and recruiting bodies to work against age discrimination.
Beyond legislation Strong discrimination legislation and legal protections aimed at enforcing fair work practices are important as a mechanism for sanctioning discrimination on the basis of age and act as a normative statement that age discrimination is not tolerated. In and of themselves, however, they are not the solution. Age-based stereotypes inform much discriminatory behaviour and strong action is needed to address ongoing prejudice (conscious and unconscious) against older workers. While legal remedies are available to those who consider they have been discriminated against on the basis of age, it is clear many employers and those in the recruitment industry lack awareness of their legal obligations in respect of age discrimination. Broad strategies are required to promote attitudinal and cultural change across the community. Just as there is a concerted campaign to break gender stereotypes through campaigns such as the Males Champions of Change process, there is also a need to engage employers and recruiting bodies to work against age discrimination.