News
Dispatches programme 'Too old to work' highlights need for government to remove the default retirement age
9 February 2009
Catharine Pusey, Director of The Employers Forum on Age comments on the Channel 4 Dispatches programme ‘Too old to work', which will be aired tonigh Dispatches programme ‘Too old to work' highlights need for government to remove the default retirement age
Catharine Pusey, Director of The Employers Forum on Age comments on the Channel 4 Dispatches programme ‘Too old to work', which will be aired tonight; "It is really disappointing that two and a half years on from the 2006 age legislation, so many people are still victims of ageism at work. It just goes to show that a change in the law is merely the first step in a long journey towards tackling endemic social prejudices - as we've seen before with gender and race legislation. It's down to us all as individuals to challenge our own ageist beliefs and ensure that particularly at work, we base our judgements on skills and ability rather than age.
"Age discrimination claims have tripled in the last year. This is an expected consequence of the 2006 age legislation and of the changing demographics of the workforce. The Employers Forum on Age, a membership body of leading employers, works with all its members to ensure they understand the regulations and developing case law, are complying appropriately and can develop best practice policies to benefit from an age diverse workforce. Organisations that operate without the default retirement age report that it has huge benefits to their business.
"However, at work, to really achieve equality there needs to be a fundamental change in attitudes. Employers cannot afford to bury their heads in the sand hoping this issue will just go away.
"Today, with people living longer than ever before, the rationale for enforcing a default retirement age of 65 is completely archaic. The EFA's long-term campaign is to persuade the Government to commit to remove the default retirement age in 2011 - rather than merely reviewing it. This will provide clarity for employers and employees and give employers several years to prepare. Legislation can only provide a framework to protect against unfair discrimination, it cannot achieve the level of culture change which is needed to end ageism."
- End -
For further information please contact:
The Employers Forum on Age
Beth Vaughan 0207 785 6539 beth.vaughan@efa.org.uk
Catharine Pusey 0207 785 6556 catharine.pusey@efa.org.uk
Or
Lansons Communications
Livia Murphy 0207 566 9718 liviam@lansons.com
Helen Thomson 0207 294 3604 helent@lansons.com