My company recently asked for volunteers for a separation plan. The terms were clear and people were able to apply but, as always, the final decision was that of the company's.
Not having received enough interest, an enhanced offer was made which generated much more interest. I applied- for the enhanced scheme
Yesterday I was accepted for Voluntary separation but on the original terms, not the enhanced terms. the reason given by HR was the the enhanced scheme was aimed at those over 60 who would be eligible, after a 2 year Sabbatical, to access their company pension at age 62 if they were accepted on the enhanced scheme. It was not explicit in the details of the enhanced scheme that this was directed to 60+ year olds nor was it pointed out to me in subsequent exchanges with HR during the application process (when asking questions for clarification on some of the terms etc ) that I was not eligible (as I am 58)
I would appreciate advise whether the company are able to offer enhanced terms to a target group of employees based purely on their age. For me, this is age discrimination but am grateful for other advice
Not having received enough interest, an enhanced offer was made which generated much more interest. I applied- for the enhanced scheme
Yesterday I was accepted for Voluntary separation but on the original terms, not the enhanced terms. the reason given by HR was the the enhanced scheme was aimed at those over 60 who would be eligible, after a 2 year Sabbatical, to access their company pension at age 62 if they were accepted on the enhanced scheme. It was not explicit in the details of the enhanced scheme that this was directed to 60+ year olds nor was it pointed out to me in subsequent exchanges with HR during the application process (when asking questions for clarification on some of the terms etc ) that I was not eligible (as I am 58)
I would appreciate advise whether the company are able to offer enhanced terms to a target group of employees based purely on their age. For me, this is age discrimination but am grateful for other advice