CHARITY Age Concern has teamed up with one of the region's law firms to help businesses avoid the pitfalls of the new anti-discrimination laws.

It follows the publication of Tribunals Service figures, which show that almost a thousand age discrimination claims were made in the 12 months to March 31.

It also comes on top of a recent survey showing two thirds of those over the age of 60 do not believe that enough is being done to combat age discrimination, as well as the launch of a Government Discrimination Law Review to consult on whether more legislation is needed.

To alert businesses to the potential problems and to underline the business benefits of not discriminating on the grounds of age, Age Concern and Newcastle-based Muckle LLP are holding a one-day conference next month.

Muckle's employment partner Paul Johnstone said: "Our experience with the laws banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation shows that it takes a couple of years before people become aware of their new rights and start taking action against employers to enforce them.

"It is now a year on from the introduction of the law banning discrimination on the grounds of age and already we are starting to see age discrimination claims bolted onto claims for unfair dismissal.

"This is a trend which will accelerate and employers have to be aware of their obligations under the new law, otherwise they could face big discrimination claims.

"They also need to be aware that the law works both ways, and it is also now illegal to discriminate against youth. For instance, any scheme which gives extra holiday entitlement on the basis of number of years worked will have to be looked at again."

The conference will be held at the Village Hotel and Leisure Club, at Cobalt Business Park, in Newcastle, on Thursday, October 4.

It will look at the legal duties of an employer, best practice for recruitment, retention and retirement, employee and employer benefits, latest news on case law, interactive workshop and case studies and a question and answer session.

Speakers will include Richard Baker, the national development manager for Age Concern England, and Jeff Usher, a serving magistrate and retired Age Concern ActivAge co-ordinator. To attend, email rcraig@muckle-llp.com