Contractors must become more age-diverse

Construction companies are being targeted as part of a national campaign to help prepare employers ahead of impending legislation on age discrimination.

The Age Partnership Group (APG) is mailing 1.4 million newsletters to employers outlining best practice information to help them create an age-diverse workforce. Information available includes a free 'personnel organiser' and a CD-Rom dispelling myths about age as well as case studies.

"The new legislation means employers will no longer be able to selectively recruit, train, promote or retire people simply on the basis of their age. However, we’re confident that employers, large and small, will naturally see the benefits of an age-diverse workforce before they are forced to," said an APG spokesman.