Employment law ‘must support older workers’

Posted 26/01/2010

Older workers must be offered more opportunities and support under employment law, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The body is proposing a series of changes to UK law which would see workers aged over 50 given more chances to secure work and offered better protection from discrimination.

Among the suggestions are the abolition of the default retirement age, as well as easier access to flexible working arrangements and increased attention on recruitment policies among UK companies.

Baroness Margaret Prosser, deputy chair of the EHRC, stated that this would benefit older members of the workforce and encourage better business performance.

She said that continuing to employ talented workers aged over 50 can allow firms “to recruit and retain talent while meeting the flexible needs of their customers”.

Last month, Age Concern and Help the Aged stated that discrimination against older people should be brought to an end in order to prevent a shortfall of skills and experience.