Age legislation to affect bakeries

- Published: 29 September, 2006

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The baking industry is preparing for new legislation, effective 1 October, which will ensure that employers treat staff equally, regardless of their age, with equal opportunities in recruitment, promotion and training.

Employees aged over 65 will be able to challenge an employer's decision to dismiss them and will be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if they are dismissed for age reasons. Those under 65 cannot be forced to retire. Speaking on BBC Breakfast News on 26 September, Steve Dowbekin unit manager at Bolton-based Warburtons Variety Bakery said: "At Warburtons, we are up to speed and don't envisage this will be a problem."