New laws have come into effect in Britain to protect workers of all ages from discrimination in the workplace.

As of 29 September, the Age Discrimination regulations have given new rights and responsibilities to every employee and business in Britain.

The regulations – which will not affect the age at which people can claim their state pension – are primarily intended to end age discrimination in terms of recruitment, promotion and training; ban unjustified retirement ages below 65 years old and remove the current age limits for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights.

They will also introduce a right for employees to request working beyond employment age – and a duty on employers to consider that request – alongside a new requirement for employers to give at least six months notice to employees about their intended retirement date.

Trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling said: “Discrimination against you just because you’re older has no place in a modern society. It is now against the law for workers to miss out on recruitment, promotion or training because of prejudice about their age.

“We are determined to create a world where the best person for the job is just that – the best person. The new laws will help do that.”

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in 15 years time, over-50s will make up more than a third of the British workforce. Details: www.dti.gov.uk