Generation Y employees are both victims and perpetrators of discrimination in the workplace, says a leading firm of employment lawyers.

People in their twenties and early-thirties are most likely to be victims of sexual discrimination, but they are also most likely to discriminate on the basis of age and against those who work flexibly, research by employment law specialist Doyle Clayton shows.

Tina Wisener, a partner at the firm, said: "It is surprising that Generation Y has the most negative attitude towards flexible working and are most likely to see older colleagues and those who work from home or part-time as less committed to their jobs.”

Doyle Clayton says the results of its research were particularly worrying because Generation Y forms the largest part of the workforce and many are in charge of appraising, monitoring and recruiting employees.

“Generation Y are in supervisory and junior management roles, and are frequently involved in recruitment and appraisals,” said Ms Wisener. “People in their 50s and 60s applying for a job have a lower chance of a fair hearing when interviewed or appraised by Generation Y”