From a helpful email dispatched by my accountant:

On 1 October, it will become illegal to discriminate against employees and jobseekers on the basis of age. Using words like ‘young and vibrant applicant’ in job advertisements will no longer be allowed, while employers will not be able to force staff to retire before 65 years old unless objectively justified by a genuine occupational requirement.

There has been extensive publicity on the rule changes and new research revealed this week that almost three quarters of employers believe their workers are aware of the new rules. But another finding in the Manpower poll showed bosses’ perceptions do not follow reality as more than half of staff admitted they knew nothing about the regulations. The report urged firms to ensure they are fully prepared and staff are made completely aware of October’s changes.