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27 December 2004 - DWP Sets Out Plans
Against Ageism in the Workplace
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The Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP) have set out plans, in a bid to tackle the age
discrimination problem in the workplace, as part of the Governments'
commitment to implementing the European Employment Directive by 2006,
outlawing the discrimination of age in both vocational training and
employment.
Mr. Alan Johnson, Work and Pensions
Secretary and Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, have put
forward the following proposals:
- To set a ‘default’ retirement age of 65.
- Create a right for employees to work beyond a
compulsory retirement age, which employers will have a duty to consider.
- Closely monitor the appropriateness of a retirement
age, formally reviewing it 5 years after it is brought in.
Mr. Johnson Said:
“By taking action against retirement ages below
65 we offer workers clarity and more choice - they will know that the law
stands behind their right to continue working to 65. And the new ‘right to
request’ means that should they want to work beyond 65, they will now be
able to address this with their employer.”
Patricia Hewitt added:
"Age discrimination is the last bastion of lawful
unfair discrimination in the workplace and we are committed to tackling
it.
"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.”
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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