Warning over graduate job adverts after new legal ruling
THE FREEDOM of companies to advertise graduate level jobs has been cast into doubt by a Supreme Court ruling over age discrimination towards an ex-policeman.
Judges said Terence Homer, a former detective inspector who worked at the Police National legal Database, had faced indirect discrimination following the introduction of a new system of three salary tiers. Homer, then 62, was effectively disqualified from the top tier because he did not have a law degree and there was not sufficient time to obtain one and return to work by the expected retirement age of 65.
He went to the Supreme Court after an earlier tribunal victory was overturned.
Lawyers said yesterday’s ruling could affect both the requirements for job applicants and the treatment of longstanding workers. Niki Walker, partner at Taylor Wessing, said: “This case will affect many more older workers who may not have the qualifications or training now expected by their employers.”