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====Discrimination against younger workers====
====Discrimination against younger workers====
Age discrimination, at least when it affects younger workers, can result in unequal pay for equal work. Age discrimination in wages is often enshrined in law. For example, in both the United States<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/q-a.htm Questions and Answers About the Minimum Wage], US Department of Labor</ref> and the United Kingdom<ref>[http://www.agepositive.gov.uk/news/minimum_wage.asp Age Positive], Department for Work and Pensions in Sheffield and London</ref> minimum wage laws allow for employers to pay lower wages to young workers. Many state and local minimum wage laws mirror such an age-based tiered minimum wage. Outside of the law, older workers, on average, make more than younger workers do. Firms may be afraid to offer older workers lower wages than younger workers.
Age discrimination, at least when it affects younger workers, can result in unequal pay for equal work. Age discrimination in wages is often enshrined in law. For example, in both the United States<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/q-a.htm Questions and Answers About the Minimum Wage], US Department of Labor</ref> and the United Kingdom<ref>[http://www.agepositive.gov.uk/news/minimum_wage.asp Age Positive], Department for Work and Pensions in Sheffield and London</ref> minimum wage laws allow for employers to pay lower wages to young workers. Many state and local minimum wage laws mirror such an age-based tiered minimum wage. Outside of the law, older workers, on average, make more than younger workers do. Firms may be afraid to offer older workers lower wages than younger workers.
Labor regulations also limit the age at which someone is allowed to work and how many hours and under what conditions they may work. In the United States you must generally be 14 to seek a job, and face additional restrictions on your work until 16.<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements.htm Youth & Labor - Age Requirements], US Department of Labor</ref> Many companies refuse to hire workers under 18.
Labor regulations also limit the age at which someone is allowed to work and how many hours and under what conditions they may work. In the United States you must generally be 14 to seek a job, and face additional restrictions on your work until 16.<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements.htm Youth & Labor - Age Requirements], US Department of Labor</ref> Many companies refuse to hire workers under 18.
====Discrimination against older workers====
====Discrimination against older workers====
According to an ICM poll for Age Concern, nearly one third of people know someone who has been a victim of age discrimination at work. Another one in ten people said that they have experienced discrimination by the NHS or health insurance companies, or been turned down for financial products because of their age. {{Citation}
According to an ICM poll for [[Age Concern]], nearly one third of people know someone who has been a victim of age discrimination at work. Another one in ten people said that they have experienced discrimination by the NHS or health insurance companies, or been turned down for financial products because of their age. Gordon Lishman, Director General of [[Age Concern England]], said: 'Comprehensive legislation is needed now, not just to cover the workplace but many other sectors of life.'
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said: 'Comprehensive legislation is needed now, not just to cover the workplace but many other sectors of life.'
While older workers benefit from higher wages than younger workers they face barriers in promotions and hiring. They may also encourage early retirement or layoff disproportionately older/more experienced workers.
While older workers benefit from higher wages than younger workers they face barriers in promotions and hiring. They may also encourage early retirement or layoff disproportionately older/more experienced workers.
Age discrimination in hiring has been shown to exist in the United States. Joanna Lahey, Economics professor at Texas A&M, found that firms are more than 40% more likely to interview a younger job applicant than an older job applicant.<ref>Lahey, J. (2005) [http://www.bc.edu/centers/crr/ib_33.shtml Do Older Workers Face Discrimination?] Boston College.</ref>
Age discrimination in hiring has been shown to exist in the United States. Joanna Lahey, Economics professor at Texas A&M, found that firms are more than 40% more likely to interview a younger job applicant than an older job applicant.<ref>Lahey, J. (2005) [http://www.bc.edu/centers/crr/ib_33.shtml Do Older Workers Face Discrimination?] Boston College.</ref>