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Rights and advocacy
Here you can read useful information about your rights as well as find out information about advocacy services for older people. Select a topic to find out more.
Your rights
Equality legislation
Individuals in Northern Ireland are protected against discrimination on grounds of race, religious belief or political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, age or because of a disability.Discrimination is not simply unfairness. To be discriminated against means to be treated less favourably than others. If you've been discriminated against you may be able to bring a complaint to a tribunal or to a county court.
Disabled peoples' rights
The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (DDA) provides protection for disabled people against discrimination on the grounds of disability. The DDA recognises that various barriers exist within society which may present practical difficulties for disabled people who are seeking employment, who are currently in employment and for many when accessing goods, facilities, services or premises.In order to address some of the practical difficulties that these barriers present, the disability legislation, unlike other anti-discrimination legislation, creates a positive duty on employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustment to their policies and premises where reasonable and appropriate.
Age discrimination and ageism
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) came into force on 1 October 2006, making it unlawful for employers and others to discriminate on grounds of age in the areas of employment, vocational training and further and higher education. The Age Regulations also introduced a new duty on employers to consider requests by employees to continue working beyond retirement.If you think you've been discriminated against on the grounds of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, political opinion, race, age or disability the Equality Commission may be able to help you with advice or legal representation. Contact the Equality Commission Discrimination Advice team on 028 9089 0890 or visit www.equalityni.org
Consumer rights
Consumer Council
The Consumer Council's Consumer Advice Handbook aims to raise awareness of consumer rights and to highlight existing sources of information and advice on consumer issues. It includes information about your general consumer rights and how to complain effectively as well as an A to Z of consumer problems and how to resolve them. For example, if you need help and advice about faulty goods or poor services, then this guide provides information about what the law says and what consumer protection is available. There is also some useful advice on how to complain when things go wrong, providing a step-by-step approach to making a complaint.You can download the Consumer Advice Handbook from the Consumer Council website www.consumercouncil.org.uk or request a copy by phoning 028 9067 2488.
For more information on your consumer rights, phone Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or visit www.consumerline.org
Legal advice
Before taking legal action on consumer issues it's a good idea to talk things over at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or Advice Centre. They may be able to tell you whether you have grounds for legal action and suggest a suitable solicitor.CAB have trained advisers that provide specialist information and advice on different areas of the law including consumer issues, employment legislation, social security benefits, money advice, health, housing rights and other legal matters.
If you're thinking of taking legal action about goods or services that you have bought, phone Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 for advice or visit the Consumerline website
Belfast City Council Consumer Advice Centre
Belfast City Council provides free specialist advice to consumers and traders in Belfast on consumer issues, such as faulty goods, shopping complaints, bad service, and holiday complaints. Their advisors will discuss your complaint with you and advise you of your legal rights. If you're unable to resolve your complaint, they will act as mediators to achieve a fair solution. If they can't get the parties to agree to a solution, they will give you advice and assistance for legal action in the small claims court.Their advisors can also give talks on consumer law and consumer rights to voluntary groups, traders and other organisations.
Find out more about Belfast City Council's Consumer Advice Centre
Advocacy services for older people
Age NI Advice and Advocacy Services
Age NI provides advocacy services for people experiencing difficulties negotiating the health and social care system, accessing appropriate levels of community care, and dealing with issues relating to residential and nursing care. The charity's advice and advocacy services also provide direct access to advice, information and practical support on a wide range of issues including welfare benefits, community care, housing and health.Contact Age NI Advice and Advocacy Services, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on Freephone 0808 808 7575.
Advocate for older people
The Older People's Advocate champions the interests of older people in Northern Ireland at the highest level.For more information about the role of the Older People's Advocate, visit www.olderpeoplesadvocateni.org
Rights and advocacy fact sheet
This fact sheet gives information about your legal and consumer rights and how to get help if you need it.
Download the rights and advocacy fact sheet (Word - 41KB)
