The Workplace Relations Commission found that Avantcard discriminated against Michael Lane on the grounds of age by refusing him access to apply for its mortgage switching service. It ordered the lender to pay him €8,420 in compensation. The decision was dated 13 June 2023.
Lane said a broker told him he could not apply because he was over 70. Avantcard argued that the broker was independent and that it had never received or refused a mortgage application from him. The WRC found Lane had been denied the chance to apply and be assessed individually, including under the policy’s permitted exceptions for applicants over 70.
Avantcard also relied on risk factors including pension income and changing circumstances. The WRC found it had not provided reliable statistical or actuarial evidence to support that defence. The award represents 50% of the interest saving Lane would have made if he had been allowed to apply and had been assessed successfully.
The commission also ordered Avantcard to train its complaints department and relevant department heads on equal status legislation within six months. It must write to its broker panel to clarify its age policy and the exceptions it permits, also within six months.