Contract needed to combat age discrimination

Bob Bannister, centre, with Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon and Swindon South MP Julia Drown who has taken up his case

Stamping out age discrimination is increasingly urgent in the light of the ageing population and workforce, the crisis in pensions funding and suggestions for raising the state retirement age. It's the challenge to the Government by Age Concern in its Age Equality Contract launched in late July.

According to an Age Concern/ICM poll carried out last December, 31 million people believe that Britain is ageist and almost a third of 55 to 64 year olds say they have been discriminated against in employment because of their age.

One such is West Swindon resident Bob Banister who helped launch the contract in the House of Commons in late July. Bob, from Freshbrook, currently works through an employment agency for the Salvation Army. Yet when he applied directly to the organisation for a job, he was told that he was too old.

The 'Age Equality Contract' is a demand on government to produce a detailed plan on how it will end age discrimination in five key areas where thousands suffer ageism on a daily basis: in employment; health; social care; learning and in the marketplace.

Age Concern welcomes the Government's steps to adopt the EU directive on Equal Treatment in employment but only comprehensive legislation can ensure that the proposed Single Equalities Commission deals with age on a level playing field to race, gender and disability.

Age Concern Swindon director Jo Osorio said, "society will win if it breaks the age barrier and uses older people's potential to the full. This is not only morally right but makes sound economic sense."

Copies of the Age Equality Contract can be obtained from Jo Osorio on 692166.