Following the introduction of age discrimination legislation last year an Acas survey found that less than half the 750 SMEs contacted were aware that the new employment regulations related to age, a quarter were not aware of any new employment regulations, and those organisations employing less than 10 people were least likely to be to know about the discrimination law.

Only 17 per cent of those questioned said they had made changes to their recruitment policy in light of the new legislation. Of those who had made no change, three quarters said this was because their practices were already in line with the law.

Around 30 per cent of those employers questioned had sought advice about the new legislation, and a further 20 per cent were likely to seek advice during the next year.

Prior to the age discrimination legislation, around 16 per cent of organisations admitted they had treated employees differently based on age, whether at recruitment, retirement, or at any other stage of their employment.  Ten per cent of those organisations had made no change to their practices since the introduction of the legislation, and only around 8 per cent of organisations were concerned about the implications of the legislation.

The findings of the survey show there is a need to work with SMEs, and in particular those employing less than 10 people, to ensure they are compliant with this important piece of legislation.

To address the problem Acas is providing free e-learning on age.

Steve Williams, Head of Equality for Acas, said: 'Fairness at work and good job performance go hand in hand. It's almost a year since the new age discrimination rules were introduced and employment tribunal complaints have been made. Many employers still haven't realised what this could mean for them. Acas can help to minimise the risk of prosecution and to make employment decisions on the basis of talent and skills alone.

'Our new age e-learning course can help anyone who feels they might need help to understand what age discrimination means and how to prevent discrimination in their workplace.'

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