|
Employers' manifesto on ageism challenges government to get its own house in order 14 May 2001 The Employers Forum on Age today (14 May) celebrates its fifth anniversary of campaigning against age discrimination in the workplace, with the launch of a hard-hitting manifesto. It challenges government to get its own house in order by removing artificial age bars in its own training, job creation and pay initiatives, and urges them to take a radical approach towards tackling the UK's ageist business culture - estimated to cost the economy £31 billion per year. The manifesto, End Ageism in Employment, is backed by some of the UK's leading employers including Sainsbury's, BT and Penna Sanders & Sidney. It warns that the government must also consult and involve employers in the development of practical and workable age legislation and set in motion an effective campaign to challenge age stereotypes in employment - highlighting the business and economic value that people of all ages can bring to the workplace. Other recommendations include:
Howard Davies, chairman of the Employers Forum on Age and Financial Services Authority, says: 'Our findings show that ageism in employment costs the UK economy £31 billion per year in lost production. As the population ages and the dependency ratio increases, improving labour market participation rates, particularly among the over 50s, is key to maintaining the UK's productivity, wealth and standard of living.' back to the archive |
