A survey published last week by the Employers' Forum on Age found that the majority of workers believe that being discriminated against on grounds of age in the workplace is rife.

Yestersday, new legislation comes in which gives us all new rights at work.

The main thrust of it is that we must not be treated less favourably than other workers simply because of our age. We should no longer be told that we're too old or too young for training or to be considered for promotion.

We will no longer be forced to retire at 65 or any other retirement age set by the employer. We will have a statutory right to request working beyond compulsory retirement, which employers will have a duty to consider.

The current upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights is being removed. This means that older workers will get the same rights to claim unfair dismissal - or to receive a redundancy payment - as younger workers.

We will also be protected from harassment on the grounds of our age, - so no more being the butt of jokes about being past it or wet behind the ears.

The law does, however, recognise that differences of treatment on the grounds of age can sometimes be justified.

It may be necessary to make special provisions for younger or older workers in order to protect their safety and welfare. But employers will need to objectively justify any exemptions to the regulations.

We at the Legal Services Commission are responsible for ensuring that everyone has access to quality assured legal advice when they need it.

We fund a number of organisations in your area that can advise on these new employment rights.

You can find their details on our website, www.clsdirect.org.uk or by phoning the Community Legal Service Direct helpline, 0845 345 4 345.

People on low incomes can get free legal advice on this number too.

Of course, workers may be nervous about exercising their new rights for fear of reprisals from bosses or colleagues. The new legislation therefore protects us from being victimized for making a complaint.

GEOFF MOUNTJOY, regional director, South & West Legal Services Commission.