The Law Society has teamed up with the Age Partnership Group (APG) to ensure solicitors are ready for the introduction of age discrimination legislation on 1 October.

It comes as a survey by the APG found that while more than 60% of large employers expect age legislation to positively impact their business by aiding staff retention and increasing choice in the labour market, small and medium-sized businesses remain unconvinced.


Age discrimination is set to have a major impact on legal practice. Law firms will have to justify any retirement age for partners, as partners do not benefit from the exemption that means a mandatory retirement age of 65 or above will not amount to unlawful age discrimination.


In addition, paying and recruiting on the basis of post-qualification experience (PQE) could be susceptible to challenge by someone without the PQE who claims to have the necessary skills. Finding trainees through the university milk round - which could be weighted against older applicants - is another potential problem.


Law Society President Kevin Martin said: 'It is in every lawyer's interest not only to understand the details of age legislation and how it may affect their clients' employment practices, but also to look at the potential impact on his/her own organisation. The legislation is far reaching, and will have huge implications for employment practices of every firm ranging from a sole practice to an international firm.'


The link-up with the APG is aimed at ensuring lawyers are armed with the correct information to prepare them for the legislation, he said. Materials available include a 'Personnel Organiser' and a CD-Rom. The Law Society is also running its own workshops around the country during July and September.


The APG's 'Be Ready' campaign is funded by the Department of Trade & Industry.


Links: www.agepositive.gov.uk/agepartnershipgroup. For APG materials, tel: 0845 715 2000 or e-mail: apg@trgeuropeplc.com. For workshop details, e-mail: bestpracticeprogramme@lawsociety.org.uk.