London lawyer will test new age disco law

One of the first high-profile legal claims under new agediscrimination laws is due to be heard at an employment tribunal inLondon this morning .  The case is being brought by Peter Bloxham,a former insolvency partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, one ofthe biggest City law firms. Mr Bloxham’s claim is believed to focus onalleged unfairness stemming from changes to the firm’s pensionarrangements, although details have not been disclosed publicly.  Unlessthe dispute is settled at the last minute, this will be the first”ageism” case involving a senior City employee to go to trial sincelaws banning discrimination on age grounds came into force in October.  Underthe new rules, employers cannot specify age when recruiting, promotingor training staff, and compulsory retirement on age grounds is barredfor workers under 65. Employers must also consider requests to workbeyond 65, but may enforce retirement without giving reasons.  AlthoughMr Bloxham’s case is one of the first to reach the hearing stage,numerous other age discrimination-related claims are waiting in thewings. 

More in the Financial Times, http://www.ft.com/cms/s/85178110-2df3-11dc-821c-0000779fd2ac.html