Often, older adults can do a job as good as or better than younger co-workers. But sadly enough, companies often won’t hire them or pass them over for promotions and pay raises based on potential health costs or other unlawful reasons.
If this has happened to you or a loved one, New Jersey Employment Lawyers are here to stand by your side and fight for your rights.Older employees bring valuable experience to the company that others may not. And while companies cling to unfair stereotypes, such as that older employees have health problems, take more time off or are slow to learn new technology and policies, these are unlawful if they apply them to the hiring and firing of senior workers.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers and job applicants 40 and older from discrimination based on age. This law makes sure job notices and advertisements, apprenticeship programs and benefits don’t discriminate on the basis of a person’s age.
What rights do you have in New Jersey?
It is against the law for an employer to treat you differently or harass you based on your age:
- When you apply for a job
- During the course of your employment
- In firing you from your job
- In forcing you to retire
In general, all jobs must be open to people of all ages. A company can’t refuse to interview or employ people because they are above a certain age. But there are some exceptions. Companies aren’t required to hire someone under 18 or older than 70. Companies can also advertise for a job where age is an essential and relevant part of the job.
But you have the right not to be harassed on the job because of your age and you should be trained, promoted and get other work benefits like other employees. For more specific information, check The New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety.
If you feel your employer has discriminated against you based on age in New York or New Jersey, contact Resnick & Associates, P.C. at 973-781-1204 or (646) 867-7997. We are located in East Hanover, N.J. and Midtown Manhattan on Broadway.