ABSTRACT
Age discrimination can be direct, which occurs when a person is treated less favourably because of their age. In relation to age, the directive in principle establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, which applies to labour market activities and vocational training. Osborne has recently drawn upon the American experience with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in order to highlight potential issues which may arise as the European countries framework directive as implemented. The Irish 1998 employment equality act addresses age discrimination in the labour market, being extended in 2000 by the equal status act which covers the provision of goods and services. The European situation does seem even more unacceptable when one considers that not only the USA, but also Australia, Canada and New Zealand have all introduced age discrimination legislation which appears, to some extent, to protect the rights of older workers.
