Harman reveals strengthened age discrimination laws
Mon 30 Jun 2008
27/06/2008
Harriet Harman has revealed new measures to protect workers from age discrimination. The minister for women and equality outlined how the government's Equality Bill will streamline and strengthen discrimination legislation. The law will ban all unjustified discrimination against older people and ensure public bodies eliminate any working practices that are prejudiced. "This is an important milestone on the road to a fair and equal society," Ms Harman said. "Fairness is important for every individual, for our society, and for our economy." Health secretary, Alan Johnson, added: "Unfair age discrimination has no place in our society, or in health and social care services." The UK's workforce is ageing. Parliament has passed legislation raising the State Pension Age to 65 years for both sexes between 2010 and 2020, then to 68 by 2046. The Equality Bill is backed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), its general secretary, Brendan Barber, said it was "an important landmark".
related articles
