Clubs in Britain advertising that dance classes are 'not suitable for over 60s' could face prosecution under equality laws.
Anyone advertising for someone of a specific age or sex could be breaking the law, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned.
Chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said in a little over a year, the commission has received more than a hundred complaints that adverts were discriminatory.
She said by a club advertising salsa classes 'not suitable for people over 60' in a local paper assumes that people over the age of 60 are not fit enough, adding that "this is age discrimination and is unlawful."
She said scores of complaints about allegedly discriminatory advertisements reveal that many businesses are breaching laws designed to allow fair and open access to jobs and services – often without realising it.
As a result, it has published a series of short guides and checklists for those who place and publish adverts to help them advertise in line with equality legislation. This is designed to dispel confusion and misunderstanding about the law.
"This clear and brief guidance answers the questions people often ask us and should help keep everybody on the right side of the law,” she says.
“It will also help ensure no-one is unfairly barred from job opportunities or from accessing services because of who they are. Tackling discrimination and ending confusion will not just help prevent businesses breaking the law – it will create more opportunities to unlock talent and help drive Britain's economic growth."
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