The Workplace Relations Commission is handling a 176% increase in age discrimination cases. 

Last week, the WRC awarded a 71-year-old bar worker €30,000 in compensation for age discrimination. 

The man had worked at the Hairy Lemon pub in Dublin since 2014 but was made redundant in 2024. 

On The Hard Shoulder, journalist Valerie Cox said ageism is “still alive and well” in a great number of workplaces. 

“We only have to look at the records of the Workplace Relations Commission,” she said. 

“Over the last few years, [the number of] people taking cases on the basis of being forced to retire due to age has absolutely rocketed. 

“There was an increase in their most recent annual report of 176% in the number of age discrimination complaints. 

“That went from 186 the previous year to 514 in just a year - that is a huge jump.”

An older woman working in a shop. Picture by: Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 7+ / Alamy

Ms Cox said the increased number of cases at the WRC is likely down to people “becoming more aware” of their rights at work. 

Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, it is generally illegal to discriminate against someone because of their age. 

“Also, people are so much younger at 65,” she said. 

“People are vibrant, they’re in their prime. 

“Whereas, some years ago, if we think back to our grandparents, they were considered old when they got to 60 probably. 

“Whereas people now at that age group, in their 70s, 80s, they’re still doing plenty of things and they’re not near retiring - they don’t want to retire.” 

Ms Cox said people who are discriminated against because of their age are often entitled to a large amount of compensation.  

“Last year, they made several awards for €20,000, €25,000,” she said. 

“Employers can appeal these cases; they can have grounds where they send letters to go at age 65. 

“That would be, for example, if this regulation consistently applied to everybody. 

“They may have a valid reason on, say health and safety considerations.” 

Public sector

Ms Cox noted, however, that the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 means those who work for the State have a mandatory age of retirement.  

“For example GPs, they have to retire from general medical service when they’re 72 - which is quite high,” she said. 

“They can continue in private practice to any age you want but the point is, if you are being let go at 65 on an age related issue, that needs to be justified.” 

People are entitled to receive a State pension at 66.

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Main image: An older woman working. Picture by: Alamy.com