A new Human Rights public consultation could be a precursor to more legal protections against age discrimination
Have you ever been made to feel too old, or too young for the job you do?
If so, the Human Rights Commission wants to hear from you.
The HRC has launched a public consultation on age discrimination, particularly at work.
The end goal is a potential change to the law which may go hand-in-hand with Government efforts to encourage employers to retain older workers.
Lisa Reed, Executive Officer of the HRC, says the consultation aims to understand people’s lived experiences, views and perspectives of age discrimination in the workplace, as well as in other areas of life in Bermuda.
She says, “we want to understand concerns, potential impacts, support for and objections to the inclusion of protection from age-related discrimination in the workplace.”
“The findings will inform the Commission’s recommendation to include age as a protected ground in the area of employment and the workplace within the Human Rights Act, 1981.” end quote.
This comes less than a week after Government published a policy guide for employers to retain workers who are willing and able to work past the age of 65.
Labour & Economy Minister Jason Hayward encourages employers to consider the benefits of keeping experienced staff on the payroll, in an effort to address labour shortages and keep our aging Bermudian workforce employed.
The guide notes that one challenge may be that some workplaces are not fully aware of age discrimination laws.
However, the Human Rights Commission has today highlighted that age is not currently a protected area under the Human Rights Act with regard to employment.
Therefore, if the HRC’s consultation leads to a change of law in this respect, some of the recommendations of Government’s policy guide could be even more critical for employers to implement.
HRC Executive Officer Lisa Reed says the Commission invites all members of the public to participate in the survey, and all results are collected anonymously.
“Age-related discrimination can occur at any age”, she says, “therefore, we encourage participation from young people, those who are middle-aged and seniors. Age discrimination can occur whether you are 18 or 81 and beyond.”
The survey can be found online at humanrights.bm, or a hard copy can be collected from the HRC office at 32 Victoria Street.
The deadline for submissions is February 13th.
HRC Press Release:
The Human Rights Commission today announced it has commenced a public consultation on age discrimination on Monday, January 13, 2026.
According to Executive Officer, Lisa Reed, “This consultation aims to understand people’s lived experiences, views and perspectives of age discrimination in the workplace, as well as in other areas of life in Bermuda. We want to understand concerns, potential impacts, support for and objections to the inclusion of protection from age-related discrimination in the workplace.
“The findings will inform the Commission’s recommendation to include age as a protected ground in the area of employment and the workplace within the Human Rights Act, 1981.
“The information will also support education to address ageism in Bermuda and to protect against discrimination and harassment based on age in the workplace.”
Mrs. Reed added, “As part of this initiative, the Commission invites all members of the public to participate in the survey. All results are collected anonymously. Age-related discrimination can occur at any age; therefore, we encourage participation from young people, those who are middle-aged and seniors. Age discrimination can occur whether you are 18 or 81 and beyond.
“In addition to the public survey, we will be speaking directly with stakeholders and will host a community conversation. The deadline for submissions is February 13, 2026.”
Ms. Reed concluded, “The survey is available on the Human Rights Commission’s website, https://humanrights.bm/public-consultation-age-discrimination/
“Accommodations are available to ensure accessibility. If you require assistance completing the survey, please contact us by email at info@humanrights.bm, by phone at (441) 295-5859, or visit our office at Milner Place, 32 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 12.
“Hard copies can be provided.”
