August 23, 2018
Hand in hand with the squeeze on personal finances is a declining birth rate. In four years’ time, it is estimated that there will be 700,000 fewer people in the 16-49 age range and 3.7 million more people aged between 50 and state pension age.
The rise of people working into their late 60s and even 70s means that businesses will have multiple generations working together, with all the management and conflict issues this could engender.
One of the most common problems caused by this is communication breakdowns between older and younger staff, particularly when newer and less experienced employees are promoted into management positions. This can often lead to declining morale, resentment towards management and outright workplace conflict.
On the legal side, employers who do not correctly manage their older workers can face Employment Tribunal claims for either direct or indirect age discrimination. These types of claims can involve significant compensation payments if successful.
Annual appraisals should be used to have ‘career conversations’ to better understand people’s aspirations to continue working – or not, as the case may be. Employers should make it clear that the purpose of these conversations is business and succession planning, and not any attempt or suggestion to force the employee to retire.
Larger organisations, such as BMW, have also already introduced “ageing workforce policies”, and this may be a trend which trickles down to smaller businesses over the next few years.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere firm who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”
Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”
