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Government Wins Appeal on the Rutherford Case 2 October 2003 STATEMENT FROM THE EMPLOYERS FORUM ON AGE The Government has today (Thursday 2 October) won its appeal against a tribunal ruling on the Rutherford case, which could have given workers over the age of 65 new rights to claim unfair dismissal and receive redundancy payments. Ms Sam Mercer, Director of the Employers Forum on Age (EFA), the leading voice for UK business on age issues in the workplace, says: ‘Seeking to abolish upper age limits for unfair dismissal by bringing a sex discrimination claim is not the best way to improve the situation for older workers. ‘The EFA has campaigned against ageism in the workplace for many years. EFA members believe that it is better for both employers and employees to wait until the upper age limit on unfair dismissal is removed as part of new age laws that are to be introduced in 2006. ‘Employers are planning for these new laws – but cannot be expected to make fundamental changes to employment policy and practice overnight. Introducing policies that are well thought through is preferable to the confusion that case law decisions can cause. ‘But it is important to remember that removing these age limits will effectively mean ending mandatory retirement ages – a much bigger issue for employers and employees.’ Ms Sam Mercer is available to comment on employers’ views on ageism and the potential impact of the result. The EFA has over 160 member organisations that collectively employ more than 14 per cent of the workforce in the UK. EFA members include some of Britain’s best-known companies, such as BT, B & Q, Sainsbury’s and Barclays. To arrange an interview, please contact Julia Muir or Hayley Booth at Colman Getty PR. Tel: 020-7631 2666 email: firstname@colmangettypr.co.uk Out of hours: 07817 455 668 back to the archive |
