I post this for general discussion.
This is the "candidate profile" for acceptance into the Flybe MAP scheme as posted on the Flight Training Europe Website:
Candidate Profile: We are looking for high calibre, motivated individuals who are keen to work for the UK’s largest independent regional airline.
To be eligible for this scheme you must be between 18 and 35 years of age on application, have a minimum of 2 A-Level passes, Grade C or above (or equivalent), and have 5 GSCE passes including Maths, English and a Science subject at Grade C or above, as well as the right to live and work in the UK.
I would postulate that the age restriction of 18 - 35 years of age will soon be illegal, although the Flybe MAP scheme is not the only one to blatently discriminate unfairly on the issue of age. The Easyjet / CTC "Wings" scheme is similarly restrictive to older pilots.
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 will come into force on 1 October this year.
Section 7(1)(b) provides that it will be unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee "in the terms on which he offers that person employment". This will include the length of any contract or the availabilty of training and selection programs upon which any offer is conditional. Unjustifiably treating someone less favourably than another person on the grounds of their age will amount to discrimination.
The majority of cases brought under the regulations are likely to focus on the meaning of 'justification'. The regulations actually state that the act or policy in question must be a "proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim", but no further guidance is given. It will therefore be up to individual tribunals and appellate courts to determine what is and isn't justified.
Any Comments?
LD Max