BUSINESSES in the region need to ensure they call time on ageism in the workplace, in the wake of new laws coming into effect later this year.

Law firm Dickinson Dees is warning that businesses continuing to allow outdated - and potentially unlawful - language to be used are putting themselves at risk of formal complaints, and even worse, costly tribunals.

Disgruntled employees who feel they are being targeted because of their age will be able to take action when new laws to combat age discrimination come into force this autumn.

Airline Ryanair was recently accused by the Irish Equality Authority of discriminating against older people because it used the words "young and dynamic" in a job description.

Problems stem from the fact that organisations may not even be aware that seemingly innocent words, such as mature, senior and experienced could be seen as potentially ageist expressions. Although not technically illegal, these words should be used with caution in the workplace in the light of the new legislation.

Claire-Jane Nicol, partner in the employment team at Dickinson Dees, said: "UK companies should take heed of the impending age discrimination regulations if they are to avoid high-profile court cases.

"Ryanair was fined after having advertised for 'young and enthusiastic' staff.

"However, it is not just a fine that businesses breaking the law face, but damage to their company's reputation too.

"In the run up to October, employers should review a number of key areas.

"These include recruitment practices - the wording of adverts can be discriminatory - reviewing retirement age and ensuring that the correct response is given to those employees who exercise the new right to work beyond retirement age.

Additionally, interviewers should be briefed to avoid age-related questions.

"It is also important for lawyers to learn from the existing Irish age discrimination legislation and advise clients to update their equal opportunities policies so the right workplace culture is instilled from the outset."