The introduction of new age discrimination laws is likely to have a dramatic effect on all employers. Law firms will not be immune and, given the way they traditionally run their firms, the rules are likely to have a significant impact. Draft regulations have been published and although there may be some amendments as they go through Parliament, there are unlikely to be changes to the underlying principles.
The new rules will cover job applicants and all ‘workers’ (including employees, consultants and agency temps). For simplicity, this article refers to ‘employees’. Self-employed partners in law firms will also be covered, but as set out below, there are some exceptions in the retirement provisions for partners, which are likely to give them greater protection against being forcibly retired at any age.
