Equality relates to discrimination, this is an extremely important yet sensitive issue. The government have many legislation protecting poeple within the work place against any time of discrimination. Equality equals to the point that everybody no matter where they are from, their social back ground, race, sexual orientation or disabilty should be treated the same as everyone else.
Diversity is the follow on from equality, it states that people within the organisation must come to terms with who they are working with, and will need to fully embrace the concept of diversity, and come to terms with this and be able to move on from this and still see everybody as equal.
Mullins, L (2010)
The difference between equality and diversity is that, equality looks at being treated fairly and the same as everyone else, in society, schools and the work place. Where as diversity looks at this but looks further on to say that we are all unique in our own ways and different, but this difference should not change the way we work or perceive people.
Discriminating against age is against the law, by The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 Act, which is also a part of the Equality Act 2010.
Many employers have misconceptions of those that are not what they feel are the "desired" age, Employment act protect all employees of any age against any forms of age discrimination. The most common types of age discrimination are when employers refuse to interview those offer 50 as or those that are too young, as they may be incapable to complete the work at hand.
Harassment to those already working, by name calling, intimidating them and simply creating an inhuman atmosphere so that the person would quit.
Employers must interview those that hold a good cv and would suit the role, rather than focusing on race, gender, age etc. People should equally be chosen, interviewed and short listed to the best candidate. This then will comply to the law, their should always be more than one interviewer this way companies can eliminate age bias.
Another way that employers can stop age discrimination in the workplace is to open more job opportunities that suit different age groups. Tesco for example, have a diversity of different job roles, those older over 50, could possibly sit at the check outs as this would be a suitable job rather than pushing trolleys outside. Employers should open mindedly think of different jobs roles to suit the need to the business as well as the people that will potentially work those roles. furthermore when young people leave school, they find it hard to get a job as they have just left school and have no previous experience. Companies should try to involve young people, as young people can progress and will stay with the company for a longer time.
Anti Discrimination
The sainsburys website has a clear heading for those under the age of 18 years old. the website states that even though sainsburys will ask for a date of birth from the applicant, this does not make a difference in the selection process of the application. It also outlines the roles that under 18's will not be able to do, such a night shifts, team leaders or on the counters.
From looking at sainsburys Equal rights page they do not discriminate against age and do comply to the law. They have also made specific roles for their younger staff to eliminate discrimination of employment.
Sainsburys On-line
The government and organisations work very hard with Equal opportunities, it is a very sensitive issue and companies must always make sure they protect themselves, and also are fair and just to society. Discrimination in any form is a big issue, especially in the current climate jobs are hard to find. Companies can highly benefit from complying with the Equal Opportunities act as different people have different skills and can benefit an organisation financially and ethically, which would help increase brand or organisation image.
We are all a part of the same society and we all expect to be treated in a fair and just manner therefore we should treated others in the same way.
References
- Mullins, l. (2010) Management and Organisational Behaviour. 9th ed. Essex: Pearsons
- DirectGov (2010) Age discrimination [Online]. DirectGov. Available from: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026429[Accessed on 10 May 2010]
- Clarisse, (2011) Difference between Equality and Diversity [Online]. DifferenceBetween.com. Available from:http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-equality-and-vs-diversity/ [Accessed on 10 May 2011]
- Unknown (2011) UK Age Discrimination Legislation and how its affects employers [Online]. Available from: http://www.laterlife.com/laterlife-age-discrimination-legislation-employers.htm [Accessed on 10 May 2011]
- Sainsburys (2010) Faqs [Online]. Available from: http://www2.sainsburys.co.uk/aboutus/recruitment/FAQs/FAQs.htm?WT.svl=2&WT.seg_1=nav_secondary [Accessed on 10 May 2011]
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