02/07/2003

Ageism at work could be outlawed by 2006

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt today published a consultation document on proposals to outlaw age discrimination in the workplace by October 2006.

The document 'Age Matters' seeks views on a range of proposals, including the abolition of employers' mandatory retirement ages, the possibility of a default retirement age of 70, and changes to the legislation regarding unfair dismissal and redundancy.

Ms Hewitt, also Cabinet Minister for the Women and Equality Unit, said: "Age discrimination is the last bastion of lawful unfair discrimination in the workplace and it will be outlawed.

"In particular we must challenge the ageist assumption that younger employees make the best workers. It is a sad fact that thousands of people in their 40's and 50's who have been made redundant never work again.

"It is vital that we widen the pool of workers so that employers can make the most of the full range of talent and skills available.

According to government research age discrimination costs the UK economy around £16 billion a year.

The trade secretary anticipates having regulations in place, but not in force, by the end of 2004.

The consultation will run until 20 October 2003 and seek views from a broad range of stakeholders.

(GMcG)

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