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Lack of health insurance for older workers 'could lead to claims'
19/06/2008
Employers in Northern Ireland failing to provide health insurance for older workers when they offer it to younger employees could be at risk of age discrimination claims.
According to Personnel Today, it could be too expensive for employers to provide insurance against certain conditions for workers over the age of 65 but they leave themselves open to tribunals if they do not do so.
Geraldine Elliott, an employment solicitor, told Personnel Today there is a "big gap" between the costs of insuring older and younger employees.
"With the uncertainty as to when older workers will retire and the claims risk they are likely to generate, insurers are often unwilling to extend cover to them," she explained to the HR publication.
From October 2006 bosses in Northern Ireland have been unable to discriminate against job applicants or employees on the grounds of age.
Some examples of such discrimination in Northern Ireland could be where an applicant is treated less favourably than others because of their age, where a workplace practice may unjustifiably disadvantage older members of staff or creating a hostile environment around older workers.
Contact us for legal advice
According to Personnel Today, it could be too expensive for employers to provide insurance against certain conditions for workers over the age of 65 but they leave themselves open to tribunals if they do not do so.
Geraldine Elliott, an employment solicitor, told Personnel Today there is a "big gap" between the costs of insuring older and younger employees.
"With the uncertainty as to when older workers will retire and the claims risk they are likely to generate, insurers are often unwilling to extend cover to them," she explained to the HR publication.
From October 2006 bosses in Northern Ireland have been unable to discriminate against job applicants or employees on the grounds of age.
Some examples of such discrimination in Northern Ireland could be where an applicant is treated less favourably than others because of their age, where a workplace practice may unjustifiably disadvantage older members of staff or creating a hostile environment around older workers.
Contact us for legal advice
