MPs demand ‘complacent’ ministers act to end ageism in the workplace
SENIOR MPs accused the Government and equality bosses yesterday of “complacency” in the fight against ageism in the workplace.
The House of Commons’ women and equalities committee said the law against discrimination was not being enforced, adding that ageism was “rife”.
In July, it warned that the talents of more than a million over-50s were being wasted because employers discriminated against them or did not give them enough flexibility to combine jobs and caring responsibilities. It called on the Government and Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to take action and said “prejudice, unconscious bias and casual ageism” in the workplace were illegal under the 2010 Equality Act.
Both the Government and the EHRC said they were committed to protecting older workers.
But ministers did not accept some key proposals, including making all state employers and large companies publish details of workers’ ages. They fear such requirements could place an extra burden on firms.
Committee chairman Maria Miller said: “Without effective intervention from the Government and EHRC, we cannot see how discriminatory practices against older people in employment, that we know are rife, will be tackled.
“Complacency about age discrimination has to stop.”
The Daily Express is campaigning to ensure society treats older people with dignity.