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Why is this important?

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Do I have to tell employers how old I am?

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

I’ve just applied for a job and the form asks for my date of birth.  Do I have to give it? I’m afraid the company won’t look at my application if they realise how old I am.

Despite the fact that there are laws to stop age discrimination, there’s nothing to prevent a company asking your date of birth on an application form. But if you don’t get the job and you think it’s because of your age, you can use the fact that they asked you for your date of birth as possible evidence of age discrimination which is against the law. You may be able to make a claim for compensation.

If you think you have been discriminated against because of your age, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission at: www.equalityhumanrights.com.

For more information about age discrimination at work, see Age discrimination at work

Other Frequently asked questions about discrimination:

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