Can one ask a temp agency for a male or a female, or base the requirements on age without getting into legal trouble?

While it's doubtful the temp agency is going to read you the riot act for making discriminatory hiring remarks, or report you to the DTI, if you request only 25-year-old male temps, this could lead to the end of a working relationship.

Whether or not the agency blows the whistle on you, you should bare in mind that discrimination is a serious topic and can lead to legal action. Make it clear to anyone in your office requesting temps that discriminating against those with disabilities and against anyone based on race, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or sex is illegal.

However, if you have problems working with the same sex… or the opposite sex, you might say something to the temp recruiter like, "Last time I needed a temp, you sent over Bill, and that seemed to work out very well. Do you have anyone else like him?" Your temp recruiter should get the picture.

When it comes to age discrimination, some managers really mean that they want a temp with solid experience. However, don't make the mistake of thinking that older is necessarily better. Some 22-year-olds know much more about the Internet than many 40-year-olds. Don't discount older workers either because some have the energy of an 22-year-old.

Instead of focusing on age, focus on skills, baring in mind that if you narrow your criteria too far, you might not be able to find someone to fill your vacancy.