Chris Davies welcomes ageism legislation

Date published: 02 October 2006

New measures to make it unlawful for employers to discriminate against older workers have been welcomed by Rochdale Euro-MP Chris Davies.

Chris Davies (52) says that the legislation will help bring about a long overdue change in culture, with the experience of elderly people becoming seen as a solution rather than as a problem.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said: "Individuals should be employed because they have the ability to do the job, not denied opportunities or forced out of work because they are regarded as too young or too old."

"I detest seeing job adverts that apply restrictions on the basis of age, and of hearing that people have been forced to retire against their wishes and when they still have much to offer."

The changes in British practice have been brought about as a result of the EU Employment Directive which makes it illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace on grounds of age. 

1.8 million people between the ages of 55 and 64 have suffered ageism in employment.  Complaints range from not being offered the same training as others to losing a job or not being employed for a position they are able and willing to do.

Latest government figures for the North West* show that 66% of men aged 50-64 and 65% of women aged 50-59 are working.  This compares to over 80% of people aged 25-49 who are in employment.

Mr Davies commented: "We complain of a skills gap yet a third of the UK's 50-65 age group are out of work.  This is not only a waste of money but also a shocking waste of experience."

In 15 years, the over-50s will make up more than a third of the population.