My boss's job has been advertised with the phrase that it is classed as a 'new blood' appointment. I read this as though they want a new person from outside the firm and it is putting me off applying for it. Is this not classed as against the equal opportunities act, by stipulating that they want 'new blood' ?
No it isn't - it's just a fairly crass HR policy. Almost as crass as allowing external applicants to apply when it is known the job will go to an internal candidate - the public sector are good at that one.
As buildersmate says, it's not illegal or discriminatory etc. What you would need to do, if you were going for the job, would be to show how you would bring a fresh outlook or perspective to the role. It doesn't necessarily mean an outsider.