Age Statement

Aberystwyth University seeks to provide a working and learning environment which is free from age discrimination. It is committed to treating all individuals fairly and with respect.

As from 1 October 2006 The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations make it illegal to discriminate on grounds of age, in employment and vocational training.

The regulations:

  • Seek to prevent age discrimination in terms of recruitment, promotion and training;
  • Make it illegal to set a compulsory retirement age which is below 65, except where objectively justified;
  • Remove the current upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights (only enhanced redundancy schemes that mirror the SRPS will be automatically lawful);
  • Require employers to give written notification to employees at least 6 months in advance of their intended retirement date (NB a shorter period of notice applies under the transitional arrangements for employees who reach the employer’s normal retirement age between 1 October 2006 and 1 April 2007);
  • Permit an employee to request the right to continue working beyond the normal retirement age set by the employer for that particular type of post;
  • Require employers to put in place a procedure for considering and responding to such requests.

It should be noted that the legislation does not require an employer to agree to a request to continue working beyond the normal retirement age, nor to give reasons for their decision.

In response to these regulations Aberystwyth University will:

  • Ensure that recruitment, career progression and promotion are based on relevant criteria which do not include unnecessary age or age related criteria;
  • Ensure that career development and appropriate training opportunities will be accessible for all staff irrespective of their age;
  • Regard ageist abuse or harassment (e.g. derogatory remarks or jokes, unacceptable or unwanted behaviour, intrusive questions) as a serious disciplinary matter which will be dealt with under the appropriate procedure;
  • Ensure that any new voluntary redundancy scheme will not be based on age-related criteria unless such criteria may be justified under the regulations;
  • Follow its published procedures (see separate document) in relation to retirement.

Retirement Age:

  • The normal retirement age at the university is 65.

(Note: that the actual retirement date is currently specified in relation to a specific date on or after the 65th birthday according to contract).

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