The number of age discrimination claims accepted by employment tribunals increased by more than a third (+ 37 per cent) over the past year.

This increase in age claims was part of an overall rise which saw the number of cases across all grounds accepted by employment tribunals rise by 56 per cent in 2009-10, its highest level on record.

Whilst 5,200 age discrimination claims were accepted during the year, only 3,900 were disposed of, which means the claim was closed (ie it was withdrawn, settled, dismissed or decided at a hearing).

Of the 3,900 age claims that were disposed of, 39 per cent were withdrawn, 39 per cent  were successfully conciliated by Acas, 7 per cent were struck out before they got to a hearing.  Only 2 per cent (95 cases) were successful at tribunal.  This was the same percentage success rate as recorded in the previous year.