Workers over the age of 65 will be entitled to the same rights regarding unfair dismissal and redundancy as younger workers, the Government has announced.

The draft regulations represent the final stage of implementing the European Employment Directive, and if approved will come into force on 1^st October 2006.

The legislation means that:

• Age discrimination in relation to recruitment, promotion and training will be outlawed;
• Retirement ages of below 65 will be banned, except where objectively justified;
• The upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights will be removed;
• Employers must consider an employee's request to continue working beyond retirement;
• Employers must give written notification to employees at least six months ahead of their intended retirement date.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has expressed concern that the regulations are complex and far reaching, and that small firms in particular could have difficulty implementing them within the necessary timeframe.