Half of dealers don’t know how the new workplace age equality rules will effect their business.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation's (RMIF) recent poll on its website asked its users ‘do you know how the new age discrimination regulations will affect your business?’ and after 4,600 votes later, 49% said ‘no’ and 51% said ‘yes’.

Nick Jones, RMIF director of human resources, said: “Despite the results being almost evenly split, it's concerning that there are many employers out there who are still unclear about the impact of this changing regulation.

“There are clearly a number of businesses across the wider industry that have not received the benefit of regular updates and information.

“Ensuring compliance will mean additional work and administration, particularly for small businesses, but we would like to reassure our members that the RMIF is on hand to help them understand, and comply with, the law, with minimum disruption to the daily running of their businesses.'

The new Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into force on October 1. The act covers six main areas: recruitment, selection, promotion, training and development, redundancy and retirement.

This means that employers must ensure people are not denied any opportunities because of their age, either directly or indirectly.

Recruitment ads can no longer contain phrases such as ‘mature worker’ or ‘enthusiastic young staff’.

Members can call the free RMIF helpline on 01788 538 307/8/9, or access a special fact sheet on www.rmif.co.uk to find out more about the workplace age equality rules.