Can an employer refuse to hire an applicant based on his or her age?

In Washington State, it is generally illegal for employers to refuse to hire an applicant based on their age. This is part of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). Under this law, employers are prohibited from discriminating in hiring, firing, promotions, wages, job training and other benefits. The ADEA only applies to individuals over the age of 40. If an applicant is under 40, they can be discriminated against on the basis of age. However, Washington has additional state laws that make it illegal to discriminate against workers of any age. Age discrimination can take many forms. Employers may not ask for a job applicant’s age during the interview process. They also can’t post job ads that indicate a preference for a certain age group. Additionally, employers may not make decisions about hiring or firing an employee based on their age. In short, an employer in Washington State cannot refuse to hire an applicant based on their age. Employers must treat all job applicants equally and make employment decisions based on qualifications, not age. If an employer violates these laws, an employee has the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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Can an employer refuse to hire an applicant based on his or her age?

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