ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the pertinent legal issues and possible pitfalls and identifies the consequences to organization of the demographic change. It explores the issues that face the fastest-growing sector of the working population, the older worker and considers the Human Resources (HR) policies and procedures affected by the new law. The book offers the management and behavioural skills needed to implement these changes successfully. It provides templates for cascading the implementation of the law and awareness-raising sessions on developing an age-inclusive organization. In 2006 new EU legislation is being passed to outlaw discrimination on the basis of age. The Age Employment Regulations will mean that it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age. Many employers have found that employing an age-diverse workforce brings business benefits and savings through fostering a skilled and well-balanced workforce.
