According to the BPIF, these age discrimination regulations are the most important piece of employment legislation since the 1970s and will bring about a major change in staff management.

The age cap for claiming unfair dismissal has been removed, so over-65s can now make a claim, whereas before they were unable to do so.

"Printers and finishers should think carefully about regulating those staff over 65," said BPIF head of legal Anne Copley. "They can't just turn round and say they don't need them anymore as they're now protected by the law."

The BPIF has urged employers to begin consulting with any staff due to retire between 1 October and 1 April 2007, to notify them of the exact date on which they are expected to retire.

"Follow that up on 1 October with a letter notifying them of their right to request the employer reconsider," said Copley. "It is important you diarise that date and respond as soon as the act comes into force."

New Age Discrimination regulations
- Remove the age cap preventing those over 65 making an unfair dismissal claim

- Make retirement at 65 only lawful if a "duty to consider a request to continue working" has been followed

- Any ill-health scheme with a cut-off age is likely to be discriminatory

- Length of service benefits could be classed as discriminatory