📢 Government Responds to Women and Equalities Committee | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

📢 Government Responds to Women and Equalities Committee on Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Consensus HR – HR News Update | Herts & Beds

📅 May 2025
📌 Written by Matthew Chilcott – FCIPD, ACEL, Owner of Consensus HR

The UK Government has formally responded to the Women and Equalities Committee’s inquiry into age discrimination in the workplace, reaffirming its commitment to protecting older workers and ensuring age-inclusive employment practices.

🧾 Background

In 2023, the Women and Equalities Committee published a report highlighting widespread concerns about ageism in employment, particularly during recruitment and redundancy processes. It called for stronger legislation enforcement, greater employer accountability, and clearer guidance on best practice in age-inclusive HR policies.

The Government’s response, published in May 2025, outlines ongoing efforts to tackle unlawful age discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, while resisting calls for major legislative changes. Instead, it emphasises the importance of existing protections, guidance for employers, and raising awareness through education and resources.

💬 Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR, comments:

“It is crucial that businesses recognise the value and experience older workers bring to the workforce. At Consensus HR, we work with companies to ensure their recruitment, performance management, and redundancy procedures are legally compliant, fair, and age-inclusive. Discrimination – whether direct or indirect – not only breaches employment law, but damages team morale and business reputation.”

🔍 What Employers Need to Know

Here are the key points employers should take from the Government’s response:

✅ Equality Act Compliance – Employers must ensure all workplace practices avoid direct or indirect age discrimination.

✅ Inclusive Recruitment – Job adverts and interview questions should focus on skills and experience, not age or implied age preferences.

✅ Training and Development – All employees, regardless of age, should have equal access to training and progression opportunities.

✅ Redundancy & Retirement – Redundancy scoring must be fair and objective. Compulsory retirement policies must meet strict justification criteria.

✅ Monitoring and Policy Reviews – Regularly review your HR policies to ensure they are inclusive and up to date with the latest employment law guidance.

💡 How Consensus HR Can Help

As a retained client of Consensus HR, you benefit from:

• 📚 Up-to-date HR documentation, handbooks & policies.

• 📈 Tailored advice on inclusive and legally compliant recruitment.

• 🛡️ Full support in handling redundancy, grievances or performance matters.

• 👨‍🏫 Training for managers on unconscious bias and diversity in the workplace.

🧠 Did You Know?

A 2024 study by CIPD revealed that 36% of over-50s felt they had been overlooked for roles due to their age. This underlines the need for stronger age diversity practices across UK businesses.

🔗 Connect with Consensus HR:

📍 Website: www.consensushr.com
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Need help ensuring your business is compliant and inclusive?
📞 Contact us today to book a consultation and find out how we can support your HR needs.

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