To wonder how a youth mobility scheme (with EU) doesn't contravene the equality act?

[newdocket]

This may be wishful thinking but I've just been reading about a potential youth mobility scheme and am wondering how this isn't discriminatory from an age pov. Does anyone know?!

Probably not really an AIBU question, but I didn't know where else to post...

We already have it for Australians and it has not been considered discriminatory.

Hmm true, but why isn't it? As surely it isn't reasonable to prioritise a group over another group because of age?

You might need to include more detail about what it is about the scheme that you think is discriminatory

Of course it is. The UK needs more workers to support its elderly population, not more older people.

I don't think you understand the scope of the Equality Act.

Are 21 year olds discriminated against for not having 5 years experience in engineering or IT?

If you are older you will have the skills and experience to apply for a different visa on your own merits.

Not all discrimination is unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act. If the age cut-off is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim then it's ok from an equality perspective.

It's allowed under objective justification/legitimate aim https://www.acas.org.uk/employer-decision-protected-characteristic/objective-justification

No different to youth employment schemes, lunches for the elderly etc

All true. Just got me wondering and - as I said - probably driven by wishful thinking more than anything.

Equality Act permits discrimination if it's a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Otherwise all manner of things would become illegal.

Ah, come on. The younger generation are drowning in student debt, can’t buy houses, and it was the older generations that lost them too heir freedom of movement to start with. Let the poor buggers have something!

I think it’s a perfectly sensible proposal. We’re in our 60s and had the same opportunity when we were young. Why should our adult children not be able to do the same just because a load of numpties chose to vote away their rights before they were 18?

Many of our universities are in financial dire straits and desperately need fees from overseas students.

It’s an excellent proposal.

There's loads of age stuff in immigration law. If you're sponsoring a spouse they have to be an adult, if you're sponsoring a child they have to be a minor. It's proportionate.

Wishful thinking, OP 😄 I know where you're coming from! But other countries have had this arrangement for years.. the cut off is usually 30-35.
I'm hoping it paves the way for people of all ages to get visas.. I'm really not banking on it. 😕

Was not suggesting that younger generations should not get this benefit, I hope they do.