Employment relations group Acas has launched a free e-learning course to help employers deal with the age discrimination legislation which was introduced last year.

The online course covers areas such as the legal aspects of regulations, how they affect recruitment, exemptions of the regulations and the process for enabling fair recruitment.

From October 1, 2006, it has been unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their age. In a recent survey completed by Acas, only 17% of small businesses had changed their employment and recruitment practices as a result of the legislation.

Steve Williams, head of equality at Acas, said: “Fairness at work and good job performance go hand in hand. It’s almost a year since the new age discrimination rules were introduced and employment tribunal complaints have been made.

“Many employers still haven’t realised what this could mean for them. Acas can help minimise the risk of prosecution and make employment decisions on the basis of talent and skills alone.”