Some 90 per cent of Britain is unaware that it is currently legal under UK law for their employer to sack them on the grounds of their age, according to a new poll released today by Age Concern and ICM.

Nearly a third of over 50s are currently not in a full-time job, yet, they will constitute a third of the population by 2020.

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern England, said: "These latest poll figures are a shocking example of how few people know what little protection they have against age discrimination in work.

"We hear from many talented and skilled individuals who are unemployed in their 50s because of a skewed vision of older workers that ignores the abilities and benefits they can bring to the workplace.

"This ground-breaking magazine includes testaments from business people who have already seen the bigger picture and recognise ageism as a major threat to the UK's economic growth, ahead of the 2006 legislation. We hope their business peers recognise their foresight and follow their lead."

Forum Response: Nationwide

Phillip Williamson, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society, said: "I recruited two individuals who were each offered 'early retirement' by their employers. I hired them because I knew they would bring enormous experience to the workplace and they have both proved extremely good ambassadors for Nationwide."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

A spokesman for Help the Aged said: "By excluding the over 50s employment, industry loses a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience.

"In addition, the cost of age discrimination to the economy is calculated at £31 billion in lost production and £5 billion to government through the cost of benefits to those who might be working, plus the loss in tax revenue.

"If employers continue to discriminate against older workers it could have a dire effect on the economy."